Diagnostic biopsy of lymph nodes of the neck, axilla and groin: rhyme, reason or chance?

Introduction: Improving patient pathways of care is becoming increasingly important in the delivery of timely, appropriate surgical care. With this aim, we analysed the referral and management pathway of patients undergoing diagnostic superficial lymph node biopsy.

Patients And Methods: A retrospective review of case notes of patients undergoing diagnostic superficial lymph node biopsy over 3 years, 1998-2000 at the Bradford Hospitals NHS Trust.