A biopsy is when doctors remove a sample of cells or tissue from the affected area, and a pathologist examines the sample under a microscope to see if it contains cancer cells.
The sample may be taken during a nasendoscopy or laryngoscopy. A biopsy can also be taken from hard-to-reach areas using a fine needle to collect the sample. This is often done using an ultrasound or CT scan to guide the needle to the correct place. Biopsy results are usually available in about a week. If the cancer can’t be diagnosed from the tissue sample, you may have surgery to remove the mass so it can be checked for signs of cancer.
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Testing lymph nodes
The lymph nodes in the neck are often the first place cancer cells spread to outside the primary site. If you have a lump in the neck or an imaging scan has shown a suspicious-looking lymph node, your doctor may recommend you have a biopsy.
Under the guidance of an ultrasound or CT, the doctor will insert a fine needle to remove a sample of tissue or fluid from the lymph node. If cancer is found in a lymph node, you may need a neck dissection or other additional treatment. Each case is different and your doctor will explain your treatment options.
Overview of lymph nodes
Lymph nodes, also known as lymph glands, are small, bean-shaped structures that are part of the lymphatic system. They are also a key part of the immune system, which helps protect the body against disease and infection. Lymph nodes are found throughout the body, including in the head and neck area. Most of the lymph nodes in the head and neck region run down the sides of the neck and under the jaw.
I had a biopsy done under a general anaesthetic. This showed that it was a squamous cell carcinoma.
Brien (laryngeal cancer)
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More resources
A/Prof David Wiesenfeld, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Director, Head and Neck Tumour Stream, The Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre at Melbourne Health, VIC; Alan Bradbury, Consumer; Dr Ben Britton, Senior Clinical and Health Psychologist, John Hunter Hospital, NSW; Dr Madhavi Chilkuri, Radiation Oncologist, Townsville Cancer Centre, The Townsville Hospital, QLD; Jedda Clune, Senior Dietitian (Head and Neck Cancer), Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, WA; Dr Fiona Day, Staff Specialist, Medical Oncology, Calvary Mater Newcastle, and Conjoint Senior Lecturer, The University of Newcastle, NSW; Dr Ben Dixon, ENT, Head and Neck Surgeon, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, VIC; Emma Hair, Senior Social Worker, St George Hospital, NSW; Rosemerry Hodgkin, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Kara Hutchinson, Head and Neck Cancer Nurse Coordinator, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, VIC; A/Prof Julia Maclean, Speech Pathologist, St George Hospital, NSW; Prof Jane Ussher, Chair, Women’s Health Psychology, Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, NSW; Andrea Wong, Physiotherapist, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, VIC. We also thank the health professionals, consumers and editorial teams who have worked on previous editions of this title.
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