HomeAnswersOtolaryngology (E.N.T)biopsyIs it common to remove a salivary gland instead of a lymph node to check for lymphoma?

How common is it for a surgeon to remove salivary gland instead of a lymph node?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At March 2, 2017
Reviewed AtJanuary 9, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I had a biopsy done, and the surgeon was supposed to remove a lymph node to check for lymphoma. But, the surgeon removed my salivary gland by mistake. The surgeon sent off the salivary gland without knowing that he had removed the wrong part, and they ran a couple of tests. But, the report stated that they did not have any lymphatic tissue to test, so there were no findings. My surgeon does not feel comfortable with redoing the surgery even though my hematologist says that it needs to be done sometime over the next three months.

How common is it for a surgeon to remove a salivary gland instead of a lymph node? Is this a common mistake? How can this affect me in the future? Does the salivary gland look like a lymph node? Please look over my laboratory reports and scans and tell me your opinion about the diagnosis. The lymph nodes in my neck, clavicle, and groin have been swollen for almost a year and a half, but no infection has shown up in any of my blood work. My throat swells up sometimes on the outside. Also, I have two nodules on my thyroid, which are new, and no nodules on my lungs. It is all in the papers I am sending. My throat swells up sometimes on the outside (both sides), and my tonsils swell up and go down, most lymph nodes stay swollen, but some can go up and down in size just a little. I have good days and bad days -meaning so tired moving is a task. I get chills even when it is 80 degrees Fahrenheit, or I could be burning up while it is freezing out. My hands and feet swell but mostly my hands. I have spurts of nausea that come and go. And just in case it matters, my poop is as thin as my pinkie. Please help.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

Your reports (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity) say that you have lymphadenopathy. The tissue received for biopsy was lymphoid tissue only.

But, it was not a complete lymph node, and only an incisional biopsy from a node was taken, which did not show any abnormality. So, they have recommended an excisional biopsy where an entire lymph node is removed and sent for biopsy.

It can be possible that a surgeon can remove a gland in place of a lymph node because they cannot be differentiated in the case of a small gland.

The lung lesion is also to be investigated again after a year, and if there is any change, then further management will depend on the reports. Even if you develop any lung symptoms, they should be investigated immediately.

I suggest you go for an excisional lymph node biopsy.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal
Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal

Audiology

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