Why Is a Lymph Node Biopsy Performed?

A lymph node biopsy is performed for several reasons, including:

  • Diagnosis of Infections: To identify bacterial, viral, or fungal infections that cause lymph node enlargement.
  • Cancer Diagnosis and Staging: To determine if cancer cells are present in the lymph nodes, which can help diagnose cancers like lymphoma or detect metastasis from other cancers.
  • Investigation of Immune Disorders: To diagnose autoimmune diseases and other immune system disorders that affect the lymph nodes.
  • Unexplained Lymphadenopathy: To investigate the cause of persistent or unexplained lymph node enlargement (lymphadenopathy).