Biopsy in the armpit

Enlarged nodes can react to illness or vaccination as well as malignant disease. The pathology result helps separate these possibilities; the presence of an armpit lump by itself does not provide a diagnosis.

Ultrasound may locate the target and guide a fine needle or a wider core needle into it. Local anaesthetic numbs the skin for a core biopsy. If needle samples cannot answer the clinical question, a surgeon may remove part or all of a node through a small incision.

The laboratory examines the sample's cells and tissue pattern. Additional stains can distinguish types of immune cells and help determine whether tumour cells have travelled from another organ. A non-diagnostic report means the material did not settle the question, not that the lump has a harmless cause.

Tell the clinician about blood-thinning medicines, bleeding disorders, allergies, recent infections, vaccinations and any history of breast or skin disease. Wear clothing that allows easy access to the armpit. Do not shave irritated skin just before the appointment unless the service specifically requests it.

Keep the dressing dry for the period stated by the team and limit lifting or vigorous arm movement if instructed. Bruising, tenderness and a small amount of swelling can occur. Ask when normal exercise, deodorant and bathing can resume, as advice differs between needle and surgical biopsies.

Seek urgent care if bleeding will not stop with firm pressure, swelling expands quickly, the hand or arm becomes cold or unusually weak, you faint, or breathing becomes difficult. These changes may indicate significant bleeding, pressure on nearby structures or an allergic reaction.

Call the procedure service soon for fever, pus, spreading redness or warmth, worsening pain, new marked arm swelling, or persistent numbness. Follow the emergency and after-hours numbers on the discharge information.

Ask whether the target is a lymph node or another type of lump, which sampling technique is proposed, and what imaging showed. Discuss how much tissue is required, the chance that another biopsy could be needed, precautions for your arm, and how the result will be connected with findings elsewhere in the body.