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How Is Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Diagnosed?
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is diagnosed through a series of tests that may include blood tests, bone marrow and lymph node tests, and imaging tests. These tests help doctors determine the subtype and stage of the lymphoma, which guides treatment decisions.
Blood Tests:
- Complete blood count (CBC): This common blood test measures the number of various types of blood cells in a sample of your blood. Abnormal levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets may suggest lymphoma.
- Blood chemistry tests: These tests measure the levels of certain chemicals in the blood, which can indicate how well the liver, kidneys, and other organs are functioning. Abnormal levels may suggest lymphoma or complications related to it.
- Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels: High levels of this enzyme in the blood can be a sign of tissue damage or disease, including lymphoma.
Lymph Node Tests:
- Lymph node biopsy: This test is often required to establish a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. In this test, doctors take a tissue sample from a swollen lymph node found during the physical exam or with imaging tests, such as CT, PET, or MRI and evaluate it under a microscope. One of the most common places to find swollen lymph nodes is in the neck. This procedure can occur under local or general anesthesia, depending on the location of the lymph node being biopsied.
Bone Marrow Tests:
- Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy: These two procedures are often done at the same time to examine the bone marrow. They can help determine if lymphoma has spread to the bone marrow.
- Cytogenetic analysis: This test looks at the chromosomes inside cells from samples of blood, bone marrow, or lymph nodes. It can help identify certain changes in chromosomes that are characteristic of some types of lymphoma.
Imaging Tests:
- Computed Tomography (CT) scan: This test uses x-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. It can help determine the stage of the lymphoma and whether it has spread.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This test uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the body. It is particularly useful in imaging the brain and spinal cord.
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan: This test uses a small amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) to find cancer cells in the body. It is often used in conjunction with a CT scan (PET/CT scan).
A Summary of Diagnosing Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
It's important to note that the diagnosis and classification of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is complex and requires a comprehensive evaluation by a team of specialists. A complete diagnosis requires a physical examination, bloodwork and looking at lymph node and bone marrow samples under the microscope. If you don't currently have a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma specialist on your team, it is important that you consult with one. Use HealthTree's Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Specialist Directory to locate a specialist near you.