Lymph Node Biopsy in Melbourne
Lymph node biopsy is a surgical procedure used to examine lymph nodes for cancer cells.
At Specialist Surgical Group, our Melbourne-based surgeons specialise in performing lymph node biopsies as part of comprehensive skin cancer treatment, helping patients who may have cancer that has spread beyond the primary tumour site to nearby lymph nodes.
The procedure involves carefully removing one or more lymph nodes for microscopic examination to detect cancer cells [1].
We use minimally invasive techniques wherever possible, with most procedures performed as day surgery under local or general anaesthesia. The biopsy typically takes 30-60 minutes, with recovery times varying depending on the location and extent of the procedure.
We consult from our Essendon and Bundoora clinics, with procedures performed at accredited hospitals in Melbourne.
Call us today at (03) 9466 7338 to book a consultation.
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We are located in the heart of Essendon and Bundoora.
Is a lymph node biopsy for you?
Lymph node biopsy may be appropriate for you if:
- You have been diagnosed with melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or Merkel cell carcinoma with intermediate to high-risk features.
- Your doctor has detected enlarged or suspicious lymph nodes during physical examination.
- Imaging studies have shown abnormal lymph nodes that require further investigation.
- You have a melanoma greater than 0.8mm in thickness or with other high-risk characteristics [2].
- Your primary skin cancer has been removed, and staging information is needed to guide further treatment.
- Previous imaging or fine needle aspiration has been inconclusive.
During your initial consultation, we will assess your medical history, examine your skin and lymph nodes, discuss your specific cancer staging needs, and determine whether a lymph node biopsy is the most appropriate next step in your care.
Potential benefits
- Accurate cancer staging. Lymph node biopsy provides precise information about whether cancer has spread to regional lymph nodes, which is crucial for determining the stage of your cancer and developing the most effective treatment plan [3].
- Treatment planning guidance. Results help our surgical team determine whether additional treatments such as further surgery, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy may be beneficial for your specific situation [4].
- Minimally invasive approach. Sentinel lymph node biopsy, when appropriate, allows us to examine only the most relevant lymph nodes rather than removing entire lymph node groups, reducing surgical complications and recovery time [5].
- Prognostic information. The biopsy results provide valuable information about your long-term outlook and help guide discussions about ongoing surveillance and follow-up care requirements.
- Regional disease control. For patients with positive lymph nodes, the procedure may help prevent further local spread of cancer and improve regional disease control [6].
Potential risks
- Surgical complications. As with any surgical procedure, there is a small risk of bleeding, infection, or adverse reactions to anaesthesia, though these complications are uncommon with modern surgical techniques [7].
- Lymphedema development. Removal of lymph nodes can occasionally lead to lymphedema, a condition characterised by swelling in the affected area; however, this risk is significantly lower with sentinel lymph node biopsy compared to extensive lymph node removal [8].
- Nerve sensitivity changes. Some patients may experience temporary or permanent numbness, tingling, or altered sensation in the area where lymph nodes were removed, particularly around the surgical site.
- False negative results. In rare cases, the biopsy may fail to detect cancer cells, though modern techniques and careful pathological examination minimise this risk [9].
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(03) 9466 7338Meet our skin cancer surgeons
Lymph node biopsy procedure
Here’s what you can expect during your lymph node biopsy at Specialist Surgical Group. These steps provide a general overview; your experience may vary depending on your specific medical needs and the type of biopsy required.
1. Initial consultation and planning
During your first visit, our surgical team will review your medical history, examine the area of concern, and explain the biopsy procedure.
We’ll discuss the type of lymph node biopsy best suited to your situation and answer any questions you may have about the process.
2. Pre-operative preparation
Before your procedure, you’ll receive detailed instructions on eating, drinking, and medication.
If you’re having a sentinel lymph node biopsy, you may need a lymphoscintigraphy scan to identify the specific lymph nodes to be examined.
3. Procedure day
You’ll arrive at our surgical facility, where our team will prepare you for the procedure.
Depending on your specific case, you’ll receive either local anaesthesia to numb the area or general anaesthesia. The surgical site will be carefully cleaned and prepared.
4. Lymph node removal
Our surgeon will make a small, precise incision to access the lymph node.
Using advanced surgical techniques, the targeted lymph nodes are carefully removed while preserving surrounding healthy tissue. The incision is then closed with sutures.
5. Initial recovery
After the procedure, you’ll be monitored in our recovery area as the anaesthesia wears off.
Our nursing team will provide post-operative care instructions, including wound care guidelines and signs to watch for during your recovery at home.
6. Results and follow-up
Your lymph nodes will be sent to a pathology laboratory for detailed examination.
Results are typically available within one to two weeks. We’ll schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss your results and plan any additional treatment if needed.
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(03) 9466 7338Lymph node biopsy FAQ
The procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes, depending on the number and location of the lymph nodes being removed. Most patients can go home the same day, though you’ll need someone to drive you home if you’ve had general anaesthesia.
You will have a small scar at the incision site, but our surgeons use careful techniques to minimise scarring. The scar typically fades over time and is usually quite manageable, especially considering the important medical information the procedure provides.
Costs vary depending on the complexity of your procedure and your insurance coverage. Our team will provide detailed cost information during your consultation and help you understand what expenses may be covered by Medicare or private health insurance.
Lymph node biopsy is highly accurate when performed by experienced surgeons and examined by specialist pathologists. The accuracy rate for detecting cancer cells is very high, making it one of the most reliable methods for cancer staging.
If cancer cells are detected, our team will discuss additional treatment options with you, which may include further surgery, radiation therapy, or systemic treatments. Having cancer in the lymph nodes doesn’t mean treatment isn’t possible, as many effective options are available.
Previous surgery may affect lymphatic drainage patterns, but a lymph node biopsy can often still be performed successfully. Our surgeons will evaluate your individual situation and may use additional imaging techniques to ensure the accurate identification of relevant lymph nodes.
Most lymph node biopsies are performed as day surgery procedures, allowing you to return home the same day. Overnight stays are typically required only for more extensive procedures or for other medical conditions that require monitoring.
Medical disclaimer
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations, and does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Individual circumstances vary significantly, and nothing on this page should be used as a substitute for personalised advice from a qualified medical professional.
If you have concerns about your health, please seek medical attention promptly. To discuss your specific condition and treatment options with our team, please book a consultation by calling us at (03) 9466 7338.
References
[1] Ishizuki S, Nakamura Y. Role of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Skin Cancer Based on Clinical Studies. Cancers (Basel). 2023;15(13):3291. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15133291
[2] Shannon AB, Sharon CE, Straker RJ, et al. Sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with T1a cutaneous malignant melanoma: A multicenter cohort study. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2023;88:52-59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2022.09.040
[3] Morton DL, Thompson JF, Cochran AJ, et al. Final trial report of sentinel-node biopsy versus nodal observation in melanoma. N Engl J Med. 2014;370(7):599-609. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1310460
[4] Gershenwald JE, Scolyer RA, Hess KR, et al. Melanoma staging: Evidence-based changes in the American Joint Committee on Cancer eighth edition cancer staging manual. CA Cancer J Clin. 2017;67:472-492. https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21409
[5] Faries MB, Thompson JF, Cochran AJ, et al. Completion Dissection or Observation for Sentinel-Node Metastasis in Melanoma. N Engl J Med. 2017;376(23):2211-2222. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1613210
[6] Ziętek M, Teterycz P, Wierzbicki J, et al. The Current Treatment Trends and Survival Patterns in Melanoma Patients with Positive Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB): A Multicenter Nationwide Study. Cancers (Basel). 2023;15(10):2667. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15102667
[7] Brănișteanu DE, Cozmin M, Porumb-Andrese E, et al. Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Cutaneous Melanoma, a Clinical Point of View. Medicina (Kaunas). 2022;58(11):1589. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina58111589
[8] National Cancer Institute. Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy. 2024. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/diagnosis-staging/staging/sentinel-node-biopsy-fact-sheet
[9] Manca G, Rubello D, Romanini A, et al. Sentinel lymph node mapping in melanoma: the issue of false-negative findings. Clin Nucl Med. 2014;39:e346-e354. https://doi.org/10.1097/RLU.0000000000000366