How Is T-Cell Lymphoma Diagnosed?

T-cell lymphoma is diagnosed through a series of tests that include blood tests, bone marrow tests, and imaging tests. These tests help to identify the presence of cancerous cells and determine the stage of the disease.

Blood Tests:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test measures the amount of different types of blood cells in a sample of your blood. Abnormal levels of white blood cells may indicate the presence of lymphoma.
• Blood Chemistry Tests: These tests measure the levels of various substances in the blood, including liver and kidney function, which can be affected by lymphoma.
• Immunophenotyping: This test identifies cells based on the types of proteins or markers present on the surface of the cells. It can help to determine if a lymphoma is of the T-cell or B-cell type.
  • A T-cell is a type of white blood cell called a lymphocyte.
  • A B-cell is a type of white blood cell that makes infection-fighting proteins called antibodies.

Bone Marrow Tests:

• Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy: These tests involve the removal of a small amount of bone marrow fluid (aspiration) and solid bone marrow tissue (biopsy). The samples are then examined under a microscope to check for lymphoma cells.
• Cytogenetic Analysis: This test looks at the chromosomes of cells from samples of blood, bone marrow, or lymph nodes to see if there are any changes that might indicate lymphoma.

Imaging Tests:

• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: This test uses x-rays to make detailed pictures of sections of the body where lymphoma might be present, such as the neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvis.
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan: This test uses a small amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) to find cancer cells in the body. The areas where the glucose is taken up in large amounts may indicate the presence of lymphoma.

A Summary of Diagnosing T-Cell Lymphoma

Diagnosing T-cell lymphoma involves a comprehensive evaluation that includes a physical examination, patient history, and a variety of tests. Blood tests can reveal abnormal levels of blood cells and substances, while bone marrow tests can identify the presence of lymphoma cells. Imaging tests can help to locate areas in the body where lymphoma might be present. The results of these tests not only confirm the diagnosis of T-cell lymphoma, but also help to determine the stage of the disease, which is crucial for planning the appropriate treatment.

Want to Learn More About T-Cell Lymphoma?

Keep reading HealthTree for T-Cell Lymphoma's 101 pages!

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