The test is used to help determine the cause of lymph node enlargement (swollen glands or lymphadenitis).
Enlarged lymph nodes may be caused by a number of conditions, ranging from very mild infections to serious malignancies.
The pathologist may also perform additional tests on the lymph node tissue to assist in making a diagnosis.
However, Sentinel lymph node biopsy for evaluating early, thin melanoma has not been shown to improve survival, and for this reason, should not be performed.
[citation needed] The patient lies on the examination table; the biopsy site is cleansed; and a local anesthetic is injected.