Core needle biopsy for diagnosing lymphoma in cervical lymphadenopathy: Meta-analysis

Feasibility, efficacy, and safety of core needle biopsy as a first-line method for cervical lymphadenopathy

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine the feasibility, diagnostic efficacy, and safety of ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy (CNB) as a first-line biopsy method for cervical lymphadenopathy of non-thyroid origin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with cervical lymphadenopathy in whom US-guided CNB was used as the first-line biopsy method for cervical lymph nodes (LNs) of presumed non-thyroid origin. The coaxial CNB technique was routinely used, while the tilting and hydrodissection CNB techniques were selectively employed for small high-risk LNs. The primary endpoint of this study was the diagnostic efficacy of CNB, evaluated by the rate of inconclusive results (nondiagnostic and indeterminate) and diagnostic accuracy (criterion 1: malignant results; criterion 2: malignant or indeterminate result). The secondary outcomes included the feasibility and safety of CNB, assessed based on the technical success rate and complication rate, respectively.

RESULTS

The rates of nondiagnostic, indeterminate, and inconclusive results were 0.7%, 3.4%, and 4.1%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CNB for malignant LNs were 96.2%, 100%, and 97.8%, respectively, with criterion 1, and these values were all 99.8% with criterion 2. The technical success rate of CNB was 99.3%. There were no major complications and 7 cases (0.6%) of minor complications (asymptomatic hematomas).

CONCLUSION

CNB was technically feasible, effective, and safe as a first-line biopsy method for cervical lymphadenopathy of non-thyroid origin with high diagnostic accuracy for malignant nodal disease.

KEY POINTS

Question The role of US-guided CNB as a first-line biopsy method for cervical LNs has not yet been verified and established. Findings US-guided CNB, as a first-line method, demonstrated a high technical success rate and diagnostic accuracy for malignant nodes, with few minor complications. Clinical relevance US-guided CNB can be used as an effective first-line biopsy method for cervical lymphadenopathy and will enable accurate diagnosis of malignant LNs.

High diagnostic yield of ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy of lymphadenopathy performed in an internal medicine department

BACKGROUND

Core needle biopsy (CNB) is often the initial test for polyadenopathic syndrome and is usually performed by radiologists. The objectives of this study are to determine the diagnostic yield of ultrasound-guided CNB of lymph nodes performed by internists at a tertiary care hospital, the most frequent etiological diagnoses, and the safety of this technique.

MATERIALS

Observational, descriptive study in which we included all patients over 17 years of age who had undergone ultrasound-guided CNB of lymphadenopathy by a member of the internal medicine service of the Virgen del Rocío University Hospital in Seville from 2021 to 2023.

RESULTS

A total of 76 patients were included, 49 (64.5%) were male and the median age [IQR] was 64 [42-75] years. The most frequent location of lymphadenopathy was inguinal (38.2%). This test allowed a definitive diagnosis in 71 (93.4%) of the patients. Of the 5 in whom the diagnosis was not reached by the CNB, three required an open biopsy, one was diagnosed with Bartonella henselae by serology and in a fifth the diagnosis was not reached. The median delay for the BAG[IQR] was 1[0-3] days. No patient had complications. The most frequent diagnosis was lymphoma in 31 (41.8%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound-guided CNB performed by internists is a safe, feasible test with very little delay. These data support the extension of this practice to the rest of the internal medicine services.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging and [18F]-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography-Guided Therapy Improves Survival in Upper Aerodigestive Tract NK/T-Cell Lymphoma, Nasal Type: A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

To investigate the value of pretreatment nasopharyngeal and neck magnetic resonance imaging (NN-MRI) combined with positron emission tomography (PET)/CT-guided therapy for improving survival in upper aerodigestive tract NK/T-cell lymphoma (UADT-NKTL) patients.

METHODS

We performed a prospective cohort study including 171 untreated patients histologically diagnosed with UADT-NKTL, of whom 71 patients received PET/CT combined with NN-MRI and the other 100 patients received PET/CT alone. The clinical stage of every patient was classified according to the Ann Arbor and TNM staging systems. Clinical stage, target volume delineation, and survival were evaluated and compared for PET/CT with and without NN-MRI.

RESULTS

By detecting additional local lesions, NN-MRI upgraded the clinical stages on the basis of the Ann Arbor staging system and TNM staging system compared to the results of PET/CT (9/71, p = 0.011; 11/71, p = 0.019, respectively), which revised the target volume delineation of radiotherapy (9/71) in the PET/CT-MRI group. Compared with those in the PET/CT group, 3-year local recurrence-free survival was prolonged in the PET/CT-MRI group (100% vs. 74.9%; p < 0.001), and 3-year overall survival and progression-free survival were better in the PET/CT-MRI group (84.5% vs. 76.3%, p = 0.04 and 78.3% vs. 67.3%, p = 0.03, respectively).

CONCLUSION

NN-MRI and PET/CT-guided therapy could complementarily assist in optimizing the determination of clinical stage and target delineation, which could improve the prognosis of UADT-NKTL patients.

ISUOG/ESGO Consensus Statement on ultrasound-guided biopsy in gynecological oncology

The International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) with the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO) jointly developed clinically relevant and evidence-based statements on performing ultrasound-guided biopsies in gynecological oncology. The objective of this Consensus Statement is to assist clinicians, including gynecological sonographers, gynecological oncologists and radiologists, to achieve the best standards of practice in ultrasound-guided biopsy procedures. ISUOG/ESGO nominated a multidisciplinary international group of 16 experts who have demonstrated leadership in the use of ultrasound-guided biopsy in the clinical management of patients with gynecological cancer. In addition, two early-career gynecological fellows were nominated to participate from the European Network of Young Gynae Oncologists (ENYGO) within ESGO and from ISUOG. The group also included a patient representative from the European Network of Gynaecological Cancer Advocacy Groups. The document is divided into six sections: (1) general recommendations; (2) image-guided biopsy (imaging guidance, sampling methods); (3) indications and contraindications; (4) technique; (5) reporting; and (6) training and quality assurance. To ensure that the statements are evidence-based, the current literature was reviewed and critically appraised. Preliminary statements were drafted based on this review of the literature. During a conference call, the whole group discussed each preliminary statement, and a first round of voting was carried out. The group achieved consensus on all 46 preliminary statements without the need for revision. These ISUOG/ESGO statements on ultrasound-guided biopsy in gynecological oncology, together with a summary of the evidence supporting each statement, are presented herein. This Consensus Statement is supplemented by detailed narrated videoclips presenting different approaches and indications for ultrasound-guided biopsy, a patient leaflet, and an extended version which includes a detailed review of the evidence.

ISUOG/ESGO Consensus Statement on ultrasound-guided biopsy in gynecological oncology

The International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) with the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO) jointly developed clinically relevant and evidence-based statements on performing ultrasound-guided biopsies in gynecological oncology. The objective of this Consensus Statement is to assist clinicians, including gynecological sonographers, gynecological oncologists and radiologists, to achieve the best standards of practice in ultrasound-guided biopsy procedures. ISUOG/ESGO nominated a multidisciplinary international group of 16 experts who have demonstrated leadership in the use of ultrasound-guided biopsy in the clinical management of patients with gynecological cancer. In addition, two early-career gynecological fellows were nominated to participate from the European Network of Young Gynae Oncologists (ENYGO) within ESGO and from ISUOG. The group also included a patient representative from the European Network of Gynaecological Cancer Advocacy Groups. The document is divided into six sections: (1) general recommendations; (2) image-guided biopsy (imaging guidance, sampling methods); (3) indications and contraindications; (4) technique; (5) reporting; and (6) training and quality assurance. To ensure that the statements are evidence-based, the current literature was reviewed and critically appraised. Preliminary statements were drafted based on this review of the literature. During a conference call, the whole group discussed each preliminary statement, and a first round of voting was carried out. The group achieved consensus on all 46 preliminary statements without the need for revision. These ISUOG/ESGO statements on ultrasound-guided biopsy in gynecological oncology, together with a summary of the evidence supporting each statement, are presented herein. This Consensus Statement is supplemented by detailed narrated videoclips presenting different approaches and indications for ultrasound-guided biopsy, a patient leaflet, and an extended version which includes a detailed review of the evidence. © 2025 The Authors. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) and by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology and the International Gynecologic Cancer Society.

A Comparison of Commonly Utilized Diagnostic Biopsy Techniques for Pediatric Patients With Cancer: A Systematic Review by the APSA Cancer Committee

BACKGROUND

Historically, surgical biopsy (SB) for diagnosis of pediatric solid tumors was considered necessary to provide adequate tissue for histologic and molecular analysis. Less invasive biopsy techniques such as image-guided core needle biopsy (CNB), have shown comparable accuracy with decreased morbidity in some adult studies. However, data regarding the safety and efficacy of CNB in pediatric tumors is limited. This study's aim was to assess the overall rate of successful diagnosis and safety of CNB compared to SB in children with malignancies.

METHODS

A PRISMA compliant systematic review was performed in MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase and CINAHL Plus database searches from 2010 to 2023. Studies were included with relevance to the following clinical question: For children with concern for malignancy requiring biopsy for diagnosis, how does CNB compare to open or laparoscopic/thoracoscopic SB in terms of safety and diagnostic efficacy? Data for patients ≤21 years requiring biopsy for diagnosis of liver tumors, neuroblastoma (NB), soft tissue sarcoma (STS), and lymphoma were included.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven studies including 2477 patients met inclusion criteria, with 2065 undergoing CNB and 412 SB. Of the 2477 patients, 820 patients had NB, 307 liver tumors, 96 STS, 151 lymphoma, and 1103 patients were from studies that included multiple diagnoses. The average complication rate for CNB was 2.9% compared to 21.4% for SB (p < 0.001). Bleeding was the most common complication in both groups, but significantly higher after SB (22.1% vs 2.3%) (p < 0.001). CNB was diagnostic in 90.8% of patients compared to 98.8% who underwent SB (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Rates of successful diagnosis were greater than 90% for both CNB and SB, though significantly higher for SB. Conversely, complication rates were close to ten times higher after SB compared to CNB. Given its relatively lower risk profile, CNB can be a safe and useful diagnostic tool for children with solid malignancies. Research focused on enhancing CNB's diagnostic accuracy while maintaining low morbidity should be further explored.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Treatment study, Level III.

Multimodality high-frequency ultrasound in the evaluation of cervical malignant lymphoma before biopsy

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the application value of multimodality ultrasound in the evaluation of lymphoma.

METHODS

The regression models were performed to determine whether there were differences in differentiating lymphoma from benign lymph nodes. Receiver operator curves were drawn to evaluate the diagnostic performance of three ultrasound modalities.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis showed statistically significant differences in the long to short axes ratio, visibility of the hilum, Adler grade of blood flow, cortical echo, maximum elasticity, elastic color pattern, enhancement distribution, and Area. The combination of three modalities achieved a sensitivity of 95.6%, specificity of 87.5%, accuracy of 93.5%, positive predicted value of 97.0%, and negative predicted value of 82.4%.

CONCLUSION

Multimodal ultrasound can provide valuable differential diagnosis and improve the diagnostic performance.

Peripheral lymphadenopathy of unknown origin in adults: a diagnostic approach emphasizing the malignancy hypothesis

The term lymphadenopathy refers to an abnormality in size, consistency or morphological aspect of one or several lymph nodes. Although lymphadenopathies are commonly observed in everyday clinical practice, the difficulty of differentiating benign and malignant disease may delay therapeutic approaches. The present review aims to update diagnostic algorithms in different clinical situations based on the currently available literature. A literature review was performed to assess current knowledge of and to update the diagnostic approach. A short clinical vignette was used as an example of a typical clinical presentation. This case of metastatic lymphadenopathy with incomplete patient history demonstrates how misleading such lymphadenopathy may be, leading to a delayed diagnosis and even a fatal outcome. Any lymphadenopathy persisting for more than 2 weeks should be considered suspicious and deserves further investigation. Precise clinical examination, meticulous history-taking and a search for associated symptomatology are still cornerstones for diagnosing the origin of the condition. The next diagnostic step depends on the anatomical region and the specific patient's situation. Imaging starts with ultrasound, while computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allow assessment of the surrounding structures. If the diagnosis remains uncertain, tissue sampling and histological analyses should be performed. Except for head and neck loco-regional lymphadenopathy, there are no methodical guidelines for persistent lymphadenopathy. The present review clarifies several confusing and complex situations. The accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology could be increased by using core needle biopsy with immunocytologic and flow cytometric methods. Notably, except in the head and neck area, open biopsy remains the best option when lymphoma is suspected or when inconclusive results of previous fine needle aspiration cytology or core needle biopsy are obtained. The incidence of malignant lymphadenopathy varies with its location and the various diagnostic strategies. In metastatic lymphadenopathy of unknown primary origin, European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) guidelines and modern methods like next-generation sequencing (NGS) may help to manage such complex cases.

Higher accuracy of surgical over core needle biopsy for the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disorders

INTRODUCTION

The diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs) is based on histological evaluation of representative tissue samples. Despite surgical excision biopsies (SEBs) are reference procedures for such diagnoses, lymph node core needle biopsies (LNCBs) are increasingly performed. The diagnostic yield of LNCB is, however, debated and few studies have compared the reproducibility of LNCB and SEB findings.

METHODS

To address the diagnostic value of LNCB and SEB, the present study considered a retrospective series of 43 paired LNCB/SEB samples. After histological revision, concordance rates between matched LNCB/SEB samples were evaluated, assuming SEB as gold standard procedure. The actionability of LNCB and SEB-based diagnoses (i.e., relevance for planning further medical interventions) was also assessed.

RESULTS

Overall, LNCB provided actionable diagnoses in 39/43 (90.7%) cases, but a consistent subset of them (7/39 [17.9%]) turned out to be wrong at SEB. The cumulative diagnostic inaccuracy of LNCB (i.e., inadequate samples plus wrong diagnoses) was 25.6% and the mean diagnostic delay in such cases was 54.2 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Although limited by selection biases due to its retrospective nature, this study highlights the intrinsic limitations of LNCB for the diagnosis of LPDs. SEB remains the gold standard procedure and should be performed in all suitable cases.

Incorporation of ultrasound-guided core biopsy with flow cytometry to assist the diagnosis of cervical lymphoma

PURPOSE

The main purpose of surgery for cervical lymphoma is only for tissue sampling. To establish a patient-friendly diagnostic approach, we investigated the feasibility of ultrasound-guided core biopsy with flow cytometry in the patients with suspected cervical lymphoma.

METHODS

We prospectively recruited patients with suspected cervical lymphoma from Nov 2017 till Jan 2021 in a referral medical center and performed retrospective interpretation of the prospectively acquired data. Ultrasound-guided core biopsy as the tissue sampling approach for the targeted lesions was performed in all patients. The ultrasound-guided core biopsy samples were analyzed by immunohistochemical stains and flow cytometry. The sample quality and the rate of definite and decisive diagnosis obtained by ultrasound-guided core biopsy alone and ultrasound-guided core biopsy with flow cytometry were evaluated.

RESULTS

Total 81 consecutive patients were recruited for analysis. All ultrasound-guided core biopsy samples were qualified for analysis of pathology and flow cytometry. Pathologically, the diagnoses were definite and compatible with their flow cytometry results in 70 patients (86.42%). Either newly-diagnosed or recurrent cervical lymphoma/lymphoproliferative disorders with histologic transformation could be diagnosed by ultrasound-guided core biopsy with flow cytometry. Nine of the 11 patients with pathologically indefinite diagnosis became clinically decisive when flow cytometry was incorporated into the process, which improved the rate of decisive diagnosis to 98.77% (Odds ratio [95% CI]: 6.21 [1.28, 58.96]).

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound-guided core biopsy combined with flow cytometry is suggested to serve as the first-line and patient-friendly diagnostic approach for the patients with suspected cervical lymphoma.

The diagnosis and management of suspected lymphoma in general practice

With rapid advancements in diagnosis and treatment of malignancies, the gap between generalists and subspecialists continues to widen, particularly in cancers like lymphoma where the spectrum of disease varies from indolent to rapidly progressive. Prior to establishing with a hematologist/oncologist, patients must be accurately and comprehensively diagnosed and managed for lymphoma in the generalist setting. In the following manuscript, we review the common clinical presentations in which should raise concern for lymphoma. We summarize the literature regarding the role of laboratory studies including complete blood count and peripheral blood flow cytometry, the recommendations for lymph node sampling, the role and selection of imaging modalities, and ideal patient monitoring for high-risk clinical syndromes that may be encountered in lymphoma.

Complications in lymph node excision in the head and neck area

BACKGROUND

Although needle biopsy is widely used in work-up of lymphadenopathy, lymph node excision (LNE) is often required especially in lymphoma diagnostics. LNE is an invasive procedure, which carries a potential risk of complications. However, comprehensive studies evaluating the spectrum and occurrence of complications are lacking.

AIMS/OBJECTIVES

This study addresses the role of preoperative needle biopsies in patients who underwent LNE. Furthermore, surgical complications related to LNE are analyzed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Altogether 321 patients, who underwent LNE in two-year period in 2018-19, and fulfilled our study criteria, were included. Patients' data were retrieved from the electronic patient records.

RESULTS

The surgical complication rate was 5.9%. Most of the complications (n = 16; 84.2%) were categorized as minor (I-II) according to the Clavien-Dindo scale. The remaining three (15.8%), all hemorrhages, were categorized as major complications and required intervention. Preoperative needle biopsy might have avoided the need for LNE in some patients, which we discuss in this study.

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE

Surgical complications after LNE in the head and neck area are rare and mostly minor. Needle biopsy is often recommended preoperatively to avoid unnecessary operations and to refrain performing LNE for patients with non-lymphatic malignancy.

Correlation between physical characteristics of biopsy specimen and disease of cervical lymph node after contrast-enhanced ultrasound

Background

To investigate the correlation between physical characteristics and disease of cervical lymph node biopsy specimens after contrast-enhanced ultrasound.

Methods

All patients were biopsied after CEUS, 235 patients were divided into three groups A, B and C according to the physical characteristics of specimens: 92 patients in group A were complete tissue specimens; 113 patients in group B were discontinuous tissue specimens. There were 30 patients in group C, including a small number of tissue and floc, purulent and bloody specimens. Pathological examination, pathogen culture examination and Gene X-Pert MIB examination were completed for all patients in the three groups, and statistical analysis was conducted on the integrity and traits of the specimens.

Results

Group A included 92 intact tissue specimens, 21 with reactive hyperplasia, 17 with lymphoma, 12 with metastatic carcinoma, 13 with lymphadenopathy, 15 with necrotizing lymphadenitis, and rare lymphadenopathy. In group B, 113 patients were treated with intermittent tissue specimens, including infected lymph nodes, lymphoma in 1 case, metastatic carcinoma in 3 cases and sarcoidosis in 1 case. There were 30 patients in group C, including a small amount of tissue and floc, purulent and bloody specimens, all of which were infected lymph nodes. The χ² value of malignant and benign lymph nodes was 42.401, p = 0.000.

Conclusion

The physical characteristics of cervical lymph node biopsy specimens after CEUS are correlated with the disease, which has guiding significance for postoperative specimen selection.

Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Core Needle Biopsy Under the Assistance of Hydrodissection With Fine Needle Aspiration in the Diagnosis of High-Risk Cervical Lymph Nodes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

A randomized comparison of ultrasound (US)-guided core needle biopsy (CNB) under the assistance of hydrodissection with fine needle aspiration (FNA) was performed to evaluate the feasibility, safety and effectiveness for the diagnosis of high-risk cervical lymph nodes. Patients from December 2018 to May 2020 were randomly assigned to the CNB group and the FNA group at a ratio of 1:1. This study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of our hospital and registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1800019370). The feasibility of CNB for high-risk cervical lymph nodes was evaluated by observing and recording the separation success rate (SSR) and technical success rate (TSR) of the CNB group. Safety was evaluated by comparing the incidence of major complications in the two groups. The diagnostic efficacy was evaluated by comparing the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the two groups. A total of 84 patients (84 lymph nodes) were randomized into the CNB (n = 42) and FNA (n = 42) groups. All patients in the CNB group achieved successful hydrodissection and biopsy. The SSR and TSR were both 100% in the CNB group. There were no major complications during or after the process in the two groups. Compared with the FNA group, the CNB group was significantly superior in terms of diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity (100% vs. 81.0%, P = 0.009; 100% vs. 79.2%, P = 0.035, respectively). The specificity of the two groups was 100%, and there was no significant difference. Compared with FNA, CNB under the assistance of hydrodissection is a feasible and safe method but is more effective for the diagnosis of high-risk cervical lymph nodes.

Review of Head and Neck Masses in the Indian Population Based on Prevalence and Etiology With an Emphasis on Primary Diagnostic Modalities

Head and neck masses are classified as sebaceous cysts (epidermoid cysts), cervical lymphadenopathy, benign lipomas, lymph nodes, thyroid swellings, or tuberculosis lymphadenitis that may be painful or painless, adherent or fluctuant. In spite of this, they have distinct prognoses and pathological features. The anatomical location of the swelling and other demographic manifestations of the patient provide valuable information about the cause and type of swelling. Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography-CT, and ultrasonography are the gold standard imaging methods for the head and neck examination. These methods are used according to the region considered for the study. Fine-needle aspiration cytology of lymph nodes is known to be effective, simple, and sometimes the only tool for the diagnosis of lymph node malignancies. This review highlights the epidemiological aspect of head and neck masses in the Indian population.