The test that gives your doctor the proof that you have a lymphoma is a biopsy. Most often a biopsy is obtained by cutting out a lymph node that has enlarged. See the article on Lymph Node Biopsy. Occasionally, other affected parts of the body may require a biopsy. Biopsy slides are then examined by a pathologist who identifies lymphoma cells and diagnoses the cancer.
It is very important to know which of the nearly 30 types of lymphoma you have. A basic differentiation of Hodgkin or Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma can usually be made from the simple biopsy slides. To get deeper into the detail, you need immunohistochemistry. This procedure can identify unique molecules on the tumor cell surface of different types of lymphoma using special stains, and precisely categorize the tumor. See the article on Lymphoma Markers.
A number of tests are needed to accurately define how far your disease has spread.
- Your doctor will examine you to see which nodes in your body have enlarged.
- You need a bone marrow test to see if your marrow is involved.
- You need X-rays or CT-scans of the chest and your abdomen to identify disease in those areas.
- Occasionally special scans like a gallium scan or a PET scan may be used to differentiate active disease from normal tissue and identify new areas with disease.
You will have to undergo a set of blood tests. Blood tests can tell the doctor whether your lymphoma has affected the blood production. It also shows whether your kidneys and liver are in good shape. This information is used to decide the line of treatment and the drugs that will be used.
Using the data gathered from these tests, as well as your symptoms and examination findings, your oncologist will calculate the stage of your lymphoma. The stage determines what treatment to use and what your treatment outcome is likely to be. To find out more about staging, read Understanding Lymphoma Stages.
