Non-Hodgkin's Lyphomas
| Causes & symptoms | The Treatment | Questions |  |
The Diagnosis
Preliminary Stage
Biopsy: by removing an enlarged lymph node and examining the cells under a microscope
Further Tests
If the biopsy shows that lymphoma cells are present your doctor will want you to have some further tests
The tests may include any of the following:
Blood test
This is to check your general health, the levels of red and white cells and platelets in your blood, and your liver and kidney functions
This is to check your general health, the levels of red and white cells and platelets in your blood, and your liver and kidney functions
Chest X-ray
This is taken to check for any sign that the disease has spread to the lymph nodes in the chest.
This is taken to check for any sign that the disease has spread to the lymph nodes in the chest.
Bone marrow sample
For this test a sample of bone marrow is taken, usually from the hip bone, and examined to see if it contains any lymphoma cells
For this test a sample of bone marrow is taken, usually from the hip bone, and examined to see if it contains any lymphoma cells
CT scan (CAT scan)
A CT scan is another type of X-ray. A number of pictures are taken of the chest and abdomen and fed into a computer to form a detailed picture of the inside of the body
A CT scan is another type of X-ray. A number of pictures are taken of the chest and abdomen and fed into a computer to form a detailed picture of the inside of the body
The following tests are less commonly done but may be considered necessary in some cases:
Lymphangiogram (lymphogram)
This test is done to check for any signs that the disease has spread to the lymph nodes in the abdomen or pelvis
This test is done to check for any signs that the disease has spread to the lymph nodes in the abdomen or pelvis
Intravenous urogram
This test is also known as an IVU or IVP and it shows up any abnormalities in the kidneys or urinary system
This test is also known as an IVU or IVP and it shows up any abnormalities in the kidneys or urinary system
Magnetic resonance imaging (also called MRI or NMR)
The test is similar to a CT scan, but it uses magnetism instead of X-rays to build up a series of cross-section pictures of the body
The test is similar to a CT scan, but it uses magnetism instead of X-rays to build up a series of cross-section pictures of the body
