Excisional biopsy
Precise Diagnosis for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Your Path to Clarity
Last Updated: July 3, 2026
Non-Surgical Treatment
Explore conservative treatment options before surgery.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma TreatmentSurgery Type
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What happens in this surgery?
- Surgical removal of the entire suspicious mass or lymph node.
- Performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on location and size.
- Provides a full, intact tissue sample for detailed pathological analysis.
- Essential for accurate staging and classification of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Ready to take the next step?
Connect with a specialist to see if Excisional biopsy is right for you.
Post Surgery Recovery
What to expect after your procedure
After an excisional biopsy, patients typically experience some localized pain, swelling, and bruising at the surgical site, which can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication. The wound will be covered with a dressing, and specific care instructions, including how to keep the area clean and dry, will be provided. Stitches, if used, may be dissolvable or require removal by a healthcare professional within 7-14 days. Most patients can return to light activities within a day or two, but strenuous exercise or heavy lifting should be avoided for a period recommended by your surgeon to allow proper healing. It is crucial to monitor the surgical site for signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, pus, or fever, and report these to your doctor immediately. The most significant part of the recovery involves waiting for the pathology results, which usually take several days to a week, and will inform the next steps in your treatment plan for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Hospital Stay
1–7 days
Varies by procedure
Initial Rest
1–2 weeks
Light activity only
Follow-up Visit
2–4 weeks
Wound check & review
Full Recovery
6–12 weeks
Back to normal activity
Recovery & Wellness Tips
- Discuss all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, with your doctor. You may need to stop certain medications, like blood thinners, before the procedure.
- Follow fasting instructions provided by your medical team, typically involving no food or drink for several hours before surgery.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, as you may be groggy from anesthesia.
- Inform your doctor of any allergies or previous reactions to anesthesia.
