What Causes Swollen Lymph Nodes?
Swollen lymph nodes are common and can be caused by anything from the common cold to an autoimmune disease. These nodes are small glands found in the neck, armpits, and groin, and can swell in response to an infection. Some people may notice swollen glands at home, or a doctor may discover swelling during a routine exam. If the cause for the swollen lymph nodes is unknown, the doctor may call for a neck mass evaluation, and possibly an excision and biopsy.
Why is there a lump on my neck?
People can get lumps on the neck for a variety of reasons. Most of the time, a neck mass is not dangerous. However, because there can be some concerning causes of neck masses, patients should see a healthcare provider as soon as a lump appears. The physician will then perform a neck mass evaluation.
What happens during an evaluation?
The possible causes of a bump can vary based on where on the neck the bump appears. For example, people can experience swollen lymph nodes from certain infections, such as infectious mononucleosis or the flu. When the doctor can’t determine the cause of the neck mass, an excision and biopsy may be recommended.
What is a lymph node excision?
A lymph node excision may be necessary to rule out other health concerns. If the swelling doesn’t go away or grows more substantial, a healthcare provider may excise a small part of the lymph node. The sample is then sent for a biopsy. There are a few different ways to perform an excision and biopsy on the lymph node.
Types of biopsies
In some cases, the doctor will take a small tissue sample from the lymph node or may remove the entire lymph node. The procedure usually takes 30-45 minutes and is done on an outpatient basis. Pain is minimal; however, the incision may take up to 2 weeks to heal. Alternatively, a physician may perform a fine needle aspiration biopsy. This procedure only takes 10-15 minutes. The doctor uses a small needle to collect a sample of cells for testing.
Biopsy results
The results of a lymph node biopsy are usually available in about a week. Biopsies are used to look for signs of infection, cancer, or immune disorders. Biopsies are diagnostic procedures, which means that the procedure is used to help diagnose other conditions.
Find treatment options
The course of treatment for a neck mass will depend on the cause. In some cases, treatment for the underlying infection may be the best course of action. Other times, further testing may be needed. Speak with a healthcare provider to learn more about neck mass evaluations.
Recent Posts
Outpatient Surgery vs Inpatient Stay: Understanding The Advantages Of Same-Day Care
During elective and cosmetic surgery, most patients have the option of outpatient surgery and inpatient stay. Explore the amazing advantages of same-day care.
Rotator Cuff Repair: Restoring Shoulder Function & Relieving Pain
A torn rotator cuff can benefit from rotator cuff repair. Minimally invasive surgery and therapy can restore shoulder function and relieve pain.
Ask The Anesthesiologist: Answers To Your Questions About Pain Management During Surgery
Patients can prepare for a successful surgery by selecting the right pain management options. Effectively manage post-surgery pain to ensure a smooth recovery.
RFA vs Traditional Surgery: Choosing The Right Approach For Chronic Pain Management
Chronic pain management requires immediate long-term intervention. Surgery and RFA are fantastic options, but which approach is better?
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
Recent Posts
Outpatient Surgery vs Inpatient Stay: Understanding The Advantages Of Same-Day Care
During elective and cosmetic surgery, most patients have the option of outpatient surgery and inpatient stay. Explore the amazing advantages of same-day care.
Rotator Cuff Repair: Restoring Shoulder Function & Relieving Pain
A torn rotator cuff can benefit from rotator cuff repair. Minimally invasive surgery and therapy can restore shoulder function and relieve pain.
Ask The Anesthesiologist: Answers To Your Questions About Pain Management During Surgery
Patients can prepare for a successful surgery by selecting the right pain management options. Effectively manage post-surgery pain to ensure a smooth recovery.
RFA vs Traditional Surgery: Choosing The Right Approach For Chronic Pain Management
Chronic pain management requires immediate long-term intervention. Surgery and RFA are fantastic options, but which approach is better?
