Lymphoma Diagnosis  

Early detection of lymphoma is not easy when there is no clinical evidence of the disease. When the tumor presents swollen nodes and paleness, your physician can do a physical exam to look for more vivid signs. However, other tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis.   

Blood test – your oncologist can recommend a complete hematological exam to determine the quantitative and qualitative of your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. This exam helps your physician to detect if you have anemia, infections and other hematologic problems. 

X-ray – a chest X-ray is essential in the lymphoma diagnosis. It allows your doctor to detect if the lymphoma has spread to lymph nodes in your lungs. The x-ray cannot confirm the diagnosis, but it can reveal abnormal or suspicious mass.  

Gallium scan - During this medical procedure, a specialist injects a radioactive gallium in your body to obtain images of a specific type of tissue using a scanner. Gallium always binds in infection site, and areas of rapid cell division (tumor). Therefore, the injection allows your physician to create image of tumor, inflammation or chronic infection found in your body. 

PET scan - the positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a recent medical imaging method that your doctor can use to detect lymphoma. Usually, before starting taking image of your internal organs, a radioactive tracer will be injected in your body to allow the taking of the pictures. Although a PET scan alone cannot accurately confirm a lymphoma diagnosis, it can reveal a lymphoid tumor in your body. 

Computerized tomography (CT) scan - a CT scan is advanced X-ray exam used in the diagnosis of lymphoma. Using this examination, your physician can obtain images of your thoracic and abdominal tissues, which allows him to detect the tumor and assess its damage in your body. 

Lymph-node biopsy – this exam is very important in the diagnosis of lymphoma. Performed under anesthesia, a surgeon takes a sample of lymph node tissue for examination. This procedure will help your oncologist to determine the characteristics of the tumor cells and the stage of the lymphoma (stage I to stage IV). This exam is necessary for your doctor to determine what treatment is best for your condition. 

Bone marrow biopsy - the bone marrow biopsy is done under local anesthesia, with a solid trocar about 2-3 millimeters. Your surgeon will remove a small sample - of a few millimeters in length - for laboratory analysis. This exam allows your doctor to specify the stage of the tumor, and determine if it has spread into other organ. 

If you experience severe symptoms, your oncologist may recommend a liver and kidney assessment, a lumbar puncture and organ function tests.  

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