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| Preliminary Stage |
| Biopsy: by removing an enlarged lymph node and examining the cells under a microscope |
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If the biopsy shows that lymphoma cells are present your doctor will want you to have some further tests |
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| The tests may include any of the following: |
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Blood tests |
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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 |
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Chest X-ray |
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This is taken to check for any sign that the disease has spread to the lymph nodes in the chest. |
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Bone marrow sample |
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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 |
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Ultrasound scan |
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For this test sound waves are used to make up a picture of the inside of the abdomen to check for any abnormalities |
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CT scan (CAT scan) |
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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 |
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| The following tests are less commonly done but may be considered necessary in some cases: |
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Lymphangiogram (lymphogram) |
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This test is done to check for any signs that the disease has spread to the lymph nodes in the abdomen or pelvis |
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Intravenous urogram |
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This test is also known as an IVU or IVP and it shows up any abnormalities in the kidneys or urinary system |
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Magnetic resonance imaging (also called MRI or NMR) |
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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 |
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