The most commonly noticed symptom of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma is the discovery of a swollen lymph node, but since a swollen lymph node can also indicate a much less serious condition, it is not an affirmative sign of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Many people do not notice any symptoms of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. When symptoms are noticed, they are usually the result of the growth of tumors and the location of the symptom is very much related to the location of the tumor.
Common Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma Symptoms
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite & weight loss
- Extremely itchy skin
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Procedures Used to Diagnose Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma
Your doctor will take a biopsy, or cell sample, from the affected lymph node or tumor and study the sample to determine whether or not you have lymphoma and the type of lymphoma present. With the information gathered from a biopsy, your doctor can develop a treatment plan for your Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. In addition to performing a biopsy to test the cells, your doctor will also perform a physical exam, evaluate your health history and may perform other necessary tests.
Some tests your doctor may perform in addition to a biopsy:
- Blood tests – Blood tests are performed to look for changes in the blood reflecting disease in certain organs or tissues. Red and white blood cells and platelets are counted because lymphoma can cause low numbers of any of the three blood cell types.
- X-ray – An x-ray will be performed on the patient to determine if the lymphoma has spread. It allows the doctor to view tumors on cell tissues or lymph nodes.
- CT or CAT scan – Abnormalities viewed on an x-ray will warrant performance of a CT/CAT scan, which is a two-dimensional view of details. It provides a thorough view by using an x-ray beam that rotates around the patient's body. The patient may be given an injection of dye into the suspected tumor area to better view it. This procedure allows the doctor to see the size, location and extent of tumor development. It can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour and is not painful, but may be uncomfortable because you must lie still during the procedure.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is helpful to doctors because it further delineates the extent of the disease. Through the combined use of magnetic fields, radio waves and a computer, an MRI creates images of selected areas of the body. Because this type of procedure is excellent at showing contrast between tumors and normal cell tissues, it aids doctors in viewing the degree of disease. It clearly shows where tumors have developed in the patient's body.
- PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography) – Positron Emission Tomography, or PET scan, assists doctors with determining the extent or stage of disease. This type of procedure is useful in identifying very small tumors because it uses cameras and tracers to form images that indicate biological changes in the body. A radioactive substance is injected into a vein to indicate where lymphoma is active.
- Bone Marrow tests – Your doctor will perform several tests on your bone marrow to find signs of disease.
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) – Your doctor may perform a lumbar puncture to determine if lymphoma has spread to the central nervous system. Finding out this information will affect the type of treatment you receive.
Based on the results of your diagnostic tests, your doctor will be able to determine the type of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma you have, the stage (which tells you if the tumor has spread and if so, how far), the grade (how fast the tumor is growing) and the risk score. The risk score is a prediction of the chances of survival and helps determine if the disease will return after treatment. Your doctor can begin planning the best course of treatment for your Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma after all diagnostic procedures are completed because they allow him or her to see the extent of your disease.
To speak with a top Benzene attorney directly, call us at 1-800-923-6376. We can help you obtain significant compensation for your suffering.
Types of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and how it affects treatment
