Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Last updated September 2009
Edited by: Guy Slowik, FRCS

How Is Lymphoma Diagnosed?

Lymphoma is diagnosed through:

Physical Exam

If a person has symptoms of lymphoma or notices a lump or swelling, the doctor will perform a complete physical exam. This includes checking the lymph nodes Small, bean-shaped organs located throughout the body along the vessels of the lymphatic system. The lymph nodes filter impurities from the body and store white blood cells that fight infection and other diseases. Clusters of lymph nodes are found in the underarms, groin, neck, chest, and abdomen. Also known as lymph glands. in the neck, armpit, or groin The area in the body where the thigh meets the abdomen. , and checking for an enlarged liver or spleen An organ that is part of the lymphatic system. The spleen produces lymphocytes, filters the blood, stores blood cells, and destroys those that are aging. It is located on the left side of the abdomen near the stomach. . The doctor will ask about recent illnesses or infections, and overall health.

Blood Tests

Blood tests may rule out infections and other types of disease. The blood will also be checked to see if cancer A disease in which any of the body's cells begin to divide out of control, causing a tumor to form or too many of these cells to spread throughout the body. cells or cancer-related enzymes are present. Other factors in the blood, such as anemia Too few red blood cells. Anemia can cause tiredness, shortness of breath, and make it harder for the body to fight infection. may be looked at. These tests may also provide information on how far the cancer has spread.

Imaging Tests

The doctor will probably order imaging tests that can view inside the body, such as:

  • X-rays.

  • CT (computed tomography) scan.

  • MRI Magnetic resonance imaging. A procedure in which a magnet linked to a computer is used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. (magnetic resonance imaging) scan.

  • Lymphangiogram X-ray of the lymphatic system. A dye is injected into a lymphatic vessel and travels throughout the lymphatic system. The dye makes them visible on the x-ray. , a test using a special dye that makes the lymph nodes and vessels show up on an x-ray.

Biopsy

A biopsy tells whether a lump or swollen gland is truly a lymphoma. To do a biopsy, the doctor will surgically remove a small sample of tissue, and a pathologist A doctor who identifies diseases by studying cells and tissues under a microscope. looks at it under a microscope. Cancer cells look a certain way under the microscope, which allows the pathologist to identify them.

Need To Know:

Ruling Out Other Conditions

Infections like the flu, mononucleosis (mono), or strep throat can also cause swollen lymph nodes, so these symptoms should not automatically cause concern of cancer. If the swelling does not go down after a couple of weeks, you should see a doctor.

Swollen lymph nodes due to infection are usually fairly soft and somewhat tender or painful, while cancerous nodes are usually firm, rubbery and painless.

Certain chemicals or medications, such as antibiotics and drugs for epilepsy, can cause swollen lymph nodes and other symptoms that may resemble symptoms for lymphoma. To avoid this confusion, tell your doctor what medications you have been taking recently.

There are other serious conditions that can cause swollen lymph nodes. These include AIDS, other types of cancer, and disorders of the lymph The almost colorless fluid that travels through the lymphatic system and carries cells that help fight infection and disease. system that are not cancer. The tests described above will help to rule out these conditions.

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