How are lymphomas diagnosed?
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Diagnosis of lymphomas varies depending on the type of lymphoma and how advanced it has become. However, most doctor appointments will start with a physical exam and some blood tests to possibly eliminate other illnesses. If a doctor feels that the symptoms warrant further testing, a biopsy may be done to take a sample of any enlarged lymph nodes to determine if cancerous cells are present. Testing may need to be done on a sample of bone marrow as well. Tests like an MRI or a CT scan may be done to get a better look at the tumors that may be present in the body to better determine the size and location.
Diagnosis of lymphomas varies depending on the type of lymphoma and how advanced it has become. However, most doctor appointments will start with a physical exam and some blood tests to possibly eliminate other illnesses. If a doctor feels that the... More -
Dr. Vincent T DeVita Jr answered:If a doctor suspects a lymphoma may be causing a patient's symtoms or signs- such as enlarged lymph glands-then a biopsy must be done to make a diagnosis. A biopsy is the gold standard.If a doctor suspects a lymphoma may be causing a patient's symtoms or signs- such as enlarged lymph glands-then a biopsy must be done to make a diagnosis. A biopsy is the gold standard. More -
Dr. Patrick Maguire answered:Removing a sizeable amount of the abnormal tissue will provide the pathologist the most information to review, in order to best determine the presence or absence of lymphoma, as well as the subtype of lymphoma, which will guide treatment. As opposed to many other kinds of cancer, lymphoma has multiple subtypes.Removing a sizeable amount of the abnormal tissue will provide the pathologist the most information to review, in order to best determine the presence or absence of lymphoma, as well as the subtype of lymphoma, which will guide treatment. As... More -
Medical history: If lymphoma is suspected, the doctor will want to obtain a full medical history to uncover any relevant symptoms or risk factors. Medical history can contain family information, past and current health status, and past and present medications. A complete physical examination will supply other clues about possible infection, health problems, or signs of lymphoma. The physician will pay particular attention to the size, location, tenderness, and consistency (firmness) of swollen lymph nodes, and will examine external lymphatic sites for possible disease.
Blood tests: Complete blood counts (CBCs) are performed. A CBC evaluates certain components (parts) of blood, including hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells), hematocrit (the proportion of red blood cells to plasma in the blood), white blood cells (which fight infection), and platelets (which help with blood clotting).
Inflammatory markers (cytokines) or enzymes (lactate dehydrogenase, or LDH) may be elevated. Normal LDH values are between one and three millimoles per liter (mmol/L). High levels of LDH in cases in which non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is suspected may indicate a more life-threatening form of the cancer.
Biopsy: Once the doctor suspects that an individual has Hodgkin's disease (HD) or NHL, a biopsy (removal of a small amount of tissue for examination) of an enlarged lymph node is taken.
Imaging studies: Imaging studies such as computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan) can be performed to look at the size, shape, and location of lymphoma. CT scan is a computer-assisted x-ray that produces cross-sectional images of the body. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan) is a technique that uses electromagnets and radio waves to create computer-generated pictures of the internal organs. CTs and MRIs are particularly useful for detecting enlarged lymph nodes or lymphoma-related abnormalities of the spleen or other organs.
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Medical history: If lymphoma is suspected, the doctor will want to obtain a full medical history to uncover any relevant symptoms or risk factors. Medical history can contain family information, past and current health status, and past and... More
