Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is a cancer of the disease fighting system spread throughout the body known as the lymphatic system. The American Cancer Society reports that Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma accounts for nearly four percent of all cancers making it one of the most common cancers in the United States.
Physical Examination
When patients come in with symptoms of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma such as unexplained itching, night sweats, or unintentional weight loss, physicians will always start with a thorough physical examination, says Medline Plus. Swollen lymph nodes and swelling of the liver and spleen may indicate lymphoma, reports MayoClinic.com. Swollen lymph nodes alone indicate only that the body is fighting an infection not a diagnosis of cancer. If a physician suspects a patient has Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma they will then move on to more invasive studies.
Imaging Studies
Physicians will use many different types of imaging studies to evaluate for lymphoma. X-ray or computerized tomography scans taken of the chest, neck, abdomen and pelvis will allow doctors to check for tumors. A magnetic resonance imaging scan will allow for evaluation of potential brain and spinal cord involvement, says MayoClinic.com. Patients with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma often experience bone damage as a result of the cancer. A bone scan will alert physicians to whether the cancer has spread to the bone, states the American Cancer Society.
Biopsy and Lab Tests
Many different types of biopsies help to determine lymphoma. The most common type, an excisional biopsy, involves the doctor removing an entire node or small part of a large tumor. In a fine needle aspiration the doctor removes a small amount of tissue from the center of a tumor mass. In the lab physicians will examine biopsied tissues under a microscope to look for cancer cells. Flow cytometry looks for certain substances on the outer layer of the cell that may help identify them. For this test cells are treated with special antibodies that stick to the cells if certain substances are present. Now, when passed in front of a laser beam these cells will light up. This test will allow physicians to classify the type of lymphoma present, says the American Cancer Society.
Lumbar Puncture
The American Cancer Society says that when looking for lymphoma physicians may opt to do a lumbar puncture or spinal tap. In this test, patients lie on their side or sit up. A doctor will then insert a small hollow needle into a numbed area between the bones of the spine and withdraw a small amount of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord known as cerebrospinal fluid. Physicians will examine the fluid for lymphoma cells, which will determine whether the cancer has spread to the brain and spinal cord.
References
- American Cancer Society: Detailed Guide: Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin Type: What Are the Key Statistics About Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?
- MayoClinic.com: Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Tests and Diagnosis
- National Institute of Health: Medline Plus: Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
- American Cancer Society: Detailed Guide: Lymphoma, Non-Hodkin Type: How is Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Diagnosed?
