skin disorders
Lymphadenitis
Diagnosis of Lymphadenitis
A doctor's evaluation Sometimes aspiration and culture or a tissue biopsy Usually, lymphadenitis can be diagnosed based on the symptoms, and its cause is an obvious nearby infection. When the cause cannot be identified easily, a doctor inserts a needle into a lymph node and withdraws (aspirates) fluid. The fluid sample is then sent to a laboratory for culture (the sample is placed in a culture medium that allows microorganisms to grow). The culture can identify the organism causing the infection. Alternatively, the doctor can do a biopsy (removal and examination of a piece of the lymph node under a microscope). 