hiv question

Hi,
   I'm not sure if this is the right forum to post this question on.  If not, I apologize.  Would a lymph node biopsy given to determine the cause of lymphadenopathy show whether the lymph node was enlarged due to hiv infection or are the results of the biopsy nonspecific?  I know they check for causes such as cancer mets or lymphoma and I was wondering about hiv as well. Any information you can provide would be much appreciated.
Thank you.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Lymph node biopsy might give a clue about HIV, but not a definitive answer.  However, a biopsy might reveal an AIDS-related diagnosis.

But this really shouldn't ever be an issue.  Most providers would recommend (or insist on) an HIV blood test in almost any patient who has one or more enlarged lymph nodes, or at a minimum would ask about HIV risks.  If you or someone you know has lymph node enlargement and is at risk for HIV (gay man, injection drug users, known sexual exposure, to HIV etc) but hasn't told the provider, you should do that before a biopsy is done.  Without that information, the provider might fail to order certain tests on the lymph node tissue, missing an opportunity for proper diagnosis.

Regards and best wishes--  HHH, MD

[pandora9048]

Hi,
   the biopsy was actually done in conjunction with thyroid nodule biopsy.   I was just kind of hoping to kill two birds with one stone, so to speak.  I'm afraid of hiv tests!
Pan

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

That makes sense.  Afraid or not, if you're at risk, please get a blood test.  A normal report on your biopsy will not reliably mean you are HIV-negative.

Best wishes--  HHH, MD