How Do You Diagnose Lymphoma?

Lymphoma refers to the lymphatic system cancer i.e. a part of the human body associated with fighting with germs or to develop immune system. Lymphatic system consists of lymph glands or lymph nodes, thymus gland, spleen and bone marrow. The problem of lymphoma affects every areas and almost every other organ present in the human body. Lymphoma exists in different types, among which primary subtypes include-

Hodgkin’s disease also known as Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Treatment to cure lymphoma depends on both of its type and severity level. In general, lymphoma treatment involves immunotherapy medicines, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and procedure of bone marrow transplant and similar others. Even in some of the cases, doctors opt for the combination of the aforementioned methods.

Doctors recommend for the following major tests and diagnose procedures to diagnose the problem of lymphoma in patients.

Physical Examination To Diagnose Lymphoma: Doctors mainly check the condition of the patients to detect any swollen lymph nodes. These include swelling in the groin, underarm and neck, along with swelling in the liver or spleen.

Removal of Lymph Node For The Test: Doctors recommend for a special procedure i.e. lymph node biopsy to remove a specific part or the entire lymph node to perform test in the laboratory.

Advanced Tests In Biopsy Procedure: Advanced tests play important roles to determine the presence of lymphoma cells and the involvement of respective types of cells in lymphoma.

Blood Tests For Lymphoma: Blood tests count the exact numbers of cells present in the collected blood sample. This step gives a clue to doctors about the lymphoma diagnosis procedure.

Removal Of A Bone Marrow Sample To Perform The Test: Bone marrow aspiration combined with biopsy procedure consists of inserting a needle in the hipbone for removing a bone marrow sample. Later on, pathologists analyze the sample to check the presence of any lymphoma cell.

Imaging Tests For Lymphoma – Doctors recommend for imaging tests in different forms to check signs and symptoms of lymphoma present in any particular area of the patient’s body. Tests in this case may include MRI scan, CT scan, ultrasound and positron emission tomography. Along with this, doctors recommend for various other essential tests and diagnose procedures depending primarily on the individual situation.

Signs And Symptoms of Lymphoma

Common signs and symptoms associated with lymphoma disease include-

Swelling in groin, armpits, neck and other areas of lymph nodes without causing any pain
Fatigue and tiredness in a persistent way
Problems of night sweats and fever
Breathing shortness
Unusual or unexplained weight loss problem

Conclusion

Varieties of lymphoma exist in humans, along with a few rare forms difficult for the identification of inexperienced pathologists. However, an appropriate diagnosis is very much essential to develop an effective treatment plan. Research has revealed that reviews related to biopsy tests given by pathologists who do not have experienced with the results of lymphoma in a required proportion associated with misdiagnosis.

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How Do You Diagnose Lymphoma?