How and when should peripheral lymphadenopathy be biopsied?

Excisional biopsy for lymphadenopathy is sometimes necessary to confirm the diagnosis of lymphoma or metastatic disease from an unknown primary site. Lymph node excision should be preceded by less invasive approaches which may confirm a benign pathology. Collaboration with medical and hematologic specialists will allow a well-reasoned diagnostic approach with complementary studies; excisional biopsy, if necessary, will then be done under the best conditions and in the most cost-efficient manner.