The investigations of choice in lymphoma depend on the specific type of lymphoma being evaluated and the extent of the disease. However, some common investigations include:
Biopsy: A tissue biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing lymphoma. A biopsy can be performed on a lymph node, bone marrow, or other affected tissue to determine the subtype and extent of the disease.
Imaging studies: Imaging studies such as CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or ultrasound can be used to determine the extent of lymphoma in the body and identify areas of involvement.
Blood tests: Blood tests such as complete blood count (CBC), serum LDH levels, and liver function tests may be performed to evaluate the overall health of the patient and assess the extent of lymphoma.
Bone marrow biopsy: A bone marrow biopsy may be performed to determine the extent of lymphoma involvement in the bone marrow and assess for any signs of spread.
Lymph node biopsy: A lymph node biopsy may be performed to determine the type of lymphoma and extent of involvement in the lymph nodes.
Genetic testing: Genetic testing may be performed to determine specific gene mutations that are associated with certain types of lymphoma.
Immunophenotyping: Immunophenotyping involves the use of special tests to identify specific markers on the surface of lymphoma cells, which can help determine the subtype of lymphoma.
The choice of investigation will depend on the individual case and the specific questions that need to be answered. A multi-disciplinary team including oncologists, hematologists, radiologists and pathologists will work together to determine the most appropriate investigations for each individual case.
A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test that measures various components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. In lymphoma, CBC can provide important information on the patient's overall health and help identify any abnormalities in blood cells that may be associated with lymphoma.
In some cases of lymphoma, CBC may reveal abnormalities such as:
Anemia: A low red blood cell count can be seen in lymphoma due to blood loss or the destruction of red blood cells.
Leukocytosis: An elevated white blood cell count can occur in some types of lymphoma due to the accumulation of lymphoma cells in the blood.
Lymphocytosis: An increase in the number of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, can be seen in some types of lymphoma.
Thrombocytopenia: A low platelet count can occur in lymphoma due to the destruction of platelets by lymphoma cells or bone marrow infiltration.
CBC is often used as a routine screening test in the initial evaluation of patients suspected to have lymphoma. However, the results of CBC alone are not diagnostic of lymphoma, and further testing such as a tissue biopsy is needed for confirmation.
It is important to note that the results of CBC may vary depending on the specific type and stage of lymphoma, as well as other factors such as the patient's age, medical history, and overall health. Your healthcare provider will interpret the CBC results in conjunction with other clinical findings and investigations to help make a diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a type of enzyme that is found in many different tissues throughout the body, including the liver, heart, muscles, and blood cells. In lymphoma, LDH levels can be elevated due to the rapid growth and destruction of cancerous cells.
LDH is a non-specific marker that can be elevated in many different medical conditions, including lymphoma. However, in lymphoma, an elevated LDH level is often associated with advanced disease and a poor prognosis. In addition, LDH levels can be used to monitor the response to treatment in patients with lymphoma.
The normal range of LDH levels can vary depending on the laboratory where the test is performed, but generally, an LDH level greater than the upper limit of normal (ULN) may indicate disease activity or tissue damage. However, it is important to note that a normal LDH level does not rule out the presence of lymphoma.
LDH is commonly measured as part of the initial diagnostic workup for lymphoma, along with other blood tests, imaging studies, and tissue biopsies. In addition, LDH levels may be monitored during treatment to assess response to therapy and identify disease progression or relapse.
It is important to discuss the results of LDH testing with your healthcare provider, who can interpret the results in the context of your individual medical history, symptoms, and other diagnostic tests.
