How is Hodgkin Lymphoma Diagnosed?

Blood Tests

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): This common blood test measures the amount of various types of blood cells in a sample of your blood. In Hodgkin lymphoma, the CBC may show anemia and an elevated white blood cell count.
• Blood Chemistry Tests: These tests measure the levels of certain substances in the blood that may indicate how well the liver and kidneys are functioning and whether metabolic waste products are being effectively removed.
• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): This test measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube. A faster than normal rate may signal an inflammatory process in the body, such as Hodgkin lymphoma.

Bone Marrow Tests

• Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy: These two procedures are often done at the same time to examine the bone marrow. Bone marrow has both a solid and a liquid part. Aspiration removes a sample of the fluid with a needle. A biopsy is the removal of a small amount of the solid part.
• Cytogenetic Analysis: This test looks at the chromosomes of cells from samples of blood, bone marrow, or lymph nodes. If abnormal chromosomes are found, it can help doctors identify certain types of lymphoma.

Imaging Tests

• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: The CT scan is an x-ray procedure that produces detailed cross-sectional images of your body. It can help determine the stage of lymphoma and whether it has spread to other organs.
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan: In this test, a radioactive substance is injected into the blood. Cancer cells absorb more of the substance than normal cells, which makes them show up on the scan. PET scans can help determine the stage of the lymphoma and how well treatment is working.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI uses magnetic fields, not x-rays, to produce detailed images of the body. MRI can be used to measure the tumor’s size.

A Summary of Diagnosing Hodgkin Lymphoma

Diagnosing Hodgkin lymphoma involves a series of tests including blood tests, bone marrow tests, and imaging tests. These tests help to determine the presence, type, and stage of the lymphoma, as well as how well treatment is working. The diagnosis process is crucial in determining the most effective treatment plan for the patient.

Want to Learn More About Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Keep reading HealthTree for Hodgkin Lymphoma's 101 pages!

• What Is Hodgkin Lymphoma?
• How Long Will I Live With Hodgkin Lymphoma?
• What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Hodgkin Lymphoma?
• How Is Hodgkin Lymphoma Staged And Classified?
• What Are Treatments For Hodgkin Lymphoma?