Biopsy of Enlarged, Superficial Lymph Nodes

All lymph node biopsies for enlarged, superficial lymph nodes that were performed in a general hospital over a two-year period were reviewed. Biopsies performed in patients with diagnosed malignant neoplasms or systemic illness, or to evaluate an abnormal chest x-ray film were excluded. In 63% of the cases the biopsy led to a specific diagnosis. One quarter of the patients with nondiagnostic lymph node biopsy specimens developed a disease related to the indication for biopsy, usually lymphoma. With the exception of one case, the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disorder became evident within eight months of the original lymph node biopsy. There should be little hesitation to repeat a nondiagnostic biopsy, especially if systemic symptoms or nonlocalized adenopathy are present. (JAMA228:602-603, 1974)