Biopsies of Head and Neck Masses

A biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is extracted from a mass and examined for malignancy.

Fine Needle Aspiration - Biopsy of Lymph Nodes

For enlarged lymph nodes, needle biopsy (fine needle aspiration, or FNA) may be performed. In needle biopsy, a needle is injected into an enlarged lymph node and cells are aspirated (suctioned) out. Examination of these cells under a microscope can often determine the cause of the mass.

It should be noted that fine needle aspiration can sometimes yield false negative, inconclusive, or false positive results.

Open biopsies of lymph nodes can also be performed, but should be considered only in select cases. Complications associated with open biopsies include disruption of the normal lymphatic drainage system, an increased risk of tumor recurrence in the neck (due to to seeding in other tissues), the destruction of valuable surface area that may be needed during surgery, and the risks associated with general anesthesia.

Biopsy of Masses in the Neck, Tongue, Throat, and Lips

Suspicions masses of the lips, gums, tongue, salivary glands and the roof or floor of the mouth may need to be examined to determine if they are malignant.

Biopsy of Brain Tumors

For biopsies of brain tumors, stereotaxy, which uses three-dimensional techniques, can provide precise targeting of the suspected mass.