The clavicles are two bones that branch out from the junction of the neck and the chest area. These bones are connected to the shoulder blades. A supraclavicular lymph node biopsy is a biopsy conducted on lymph nodes that are above these clavicles but below the neck or cervical lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are present all over the head and torso of the human body. These nodes perform important functions associated with the immune system. Normally, the lymph nodes are not visible and cannot be felt by the individual. However, if a node gets infected, it may swell up. At this stage it may become visible under the skin. Furthermore, the area where the node is present will be sore to touch.
A biopsy procedure is conducted to collect a sample of tissue which can then be analyzed in a laboratory to ascertain its chemical makeup. This is used to determine whether the cells in the tissue are cancerous or if they are infected by some type of bacteria or other infection. A biopsy procedure may also be conducted when some tissue needs to be removed from the body altogether. This is particularly true of tissues that are associated with cancer. When the individual suffers from cancer, it is best to remove as much of the tumor material as possible while treating him or her.
The supraclavicular lymph node biopsy is done using a needle. This is done when the node is fairly accessible. The individual does not need to prepare in any way for the supraclavicular lymph node biopsy procedure. One may also have to undergo a supraclavicular lymph node biopsy surgery when the entire node has to be removed. This is usually done after a needle biopsy has confirmed that there is some serious illness or infection in the area. For surgical procedure, the patient needs to stay in a hospital overnight. For a needle based supraclavicular lymph node biopsy, the patient can return home almost immediately after the test. The supraclavicular lymph node biopsy results are produced once the sample has been analyzed in a laboratory. In some cases, a culture test may be conducted on the sample. This would take a few days to produce results. Meanwhile, other tests may be conducted on the same sample. A supraclavicular lymph node biopsy is a fairly simple procedure that is done under local anesthesia to make sure that the patient does not suffer from any pain during the insertion of the needle.