ABSTRACT
Taking and handling of lymph node biopsies 1 Processing, sectioning and staining 2 Immunohistochemistry 3 Molecular techniques 9 Diagnosing the ‘undiagnosable’ biopsy9 Where to begin? Recognizing lymph node patterns 9 Sinus architecture 10 Capsule 10
Reactive follicles 10 Overall growth pattern 10 Paracortex 10 Marginal zone10 Necrosis 11 Apoptosis 11 Granulomas 11
Suboptimal techniques in the taking and handling of lymph node biopsies are probably the biggest obstacle to achieving a correct diagnosis. All concerned with this process should bear in mind that the objective of the biopsy is to achieve a timely and accurate diagnosis on which the subsequent management of the patient can be based. Feedback information at multidisciplinary team meetings is a valuable means of achieving and maintaining a high diagnostic standard of lymph node biopsies. In the absence of such meetings, personal contact is needed to ensure that any shortcomings in the biopsy technique and handling of the specimen are rectified.
