To determine whether you have lymphoma and what type, you may need several exams and tests. The tests will help us understand:
- Type of lymphoma
- How advanced it is
- What types of treatments will be most effective
- What treatments you’ll best tolerate
There are several types of lymphoma. Knowing the type is essential to making the right decisions about lymphoma treatment.
Tools for Lymphoma Diagnosis
Our specialists use a variety of tools to gather complex information about lymphoma for accurate diagnosis, including:
- Physical exam
- Blood tests
- Bone marrow biopsy
- Lymph node biopsy
- Imaging tests
Physical Exam
During a physical exam, our nurses and hematologists (blood cancer doctors) will ask you about:
- Symptoms
- How long they’ve been happening
- Personal and family history of cancer
- Previous exposure to chemicals
- Whether you smoke or used to smoke
- Any medical conditions that may affect your ability to tolerate treatments
They’ll also look for signs of lymphoma, such as:
- Enlarged liver or spleen
- Pale skin
- Swollen lymph nodes
Blood Tests for Lymphoma
Blood tests are essential to accurately diagnosing this complex disease. These tests can show whether you have lymphoma cells or abnormal levels of normal cells:
- Blood smear: We take a drop of blood and look at it under a microscope. Our pathologists are experts at identifying abnormal blood cells that may indicate lymphoma. A pathologist can also tell whether the cells are Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin.
- Complete blood count (CBC): A complete blood count (CBC) measures red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): ESR is the rate at which red blood cells settle to the bottom of a tube. This is a way to measure the amount of inflammation in the body.
- Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH): This test can detect a protein released by damaged cells.
- Other blood tests: Blood tests can also measure chemicals that show how organs such as the liver and kidneys are functioning. This can help determine whether lymphoma has spread to those parts of the body.
- Testing for certain viruses: Your health care provider may test for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B. They are risk factors for lymphoma and can affect treatment.
Bone Marrow Biopsy
Your team may order a bone marrow biopsy to check the cells in the bone marrow.
For a bone marrow biopsy, a specialist uses a long, thin needle to take a small sample of bone marrow. The sample usually comes from the hip bone. Expert pathologists in our laboratory examine the cells for lymphoma.
Lymph Node Biopsy
Your team may order a test of your lymph nodes to check the cells in the lymphatic system, where lymphoma starts. A specialist removes part or all of a lymph node for testing. Many lymph nodes are close to the skin’s surface, so the procedure is usually simple.
Pathologists who specialize in blood cancers analyze the tissue under a microscope. The results will determine whether you have lymphoma and what type.
Imaging Tests
Your hematologist may also order imaging tests to determine how much lymphoma has spread in the body. The tests can also detect infections or other problems. Imaging tests include X-rays, computed tomography (or CT), magnetic resonance imaging (or MRI), ultrasound and positron emission tomography (or PET).
Understanding the Results of Lymphoma Testing
Our lymphoma team meets to discuss your test results, which includes hematologists, oncologists, pathologists and any other experts needed. This meeting will ensure that we have all of the information we need for accurate diagnosis.
Then our physicians and nurse navigators will meet with you, taking time to educate you about the diagnosis, including:
- Test results
- Specific subtype of lymphoma
- Prognosis
- Treatment options
- Questions you or your loved ones have
Lymphoma Diagnosis Second Opinions
If your health care provider has already diagnosed lymphoma, you may want to meet with a specialist for a second opinion.
Penn Medicine’s team includes hematologists, pathologists, pharmacists, radiation oncologists and nurses who specialize in only lymphoma. We can confirm the diagnosis, clarify the type and provide additional information to guide treatment decisions. We review your existing medical records and then determine what additional, advanced testing you need.
Talking with us can help you make sure you choose the most effective treatments.
Lymphoma Diagnosis: The Penn Medicine Advantage
For accurate diagnosis of lymphoma, the Penn Medicine Blood Cancer Program offers:
- Guidance through the process: When you contact our team for lymphoma diagnosis, you’ll work closely with a nurse navigator specialized in blood cancer. She makes sure you quickly get the appointments you need for tests and consultation. After your appointments, our team takes time to make sure you understand your lymphoma and what it means.
- In-house labs and tests: We do all of our testing and lab work onsite. This means you get faster results and start treatment quickly.
- History of leadership in the field: Penn is an international leader in the diagnosis of lymphoma. Our physicians are leaders in lymphoma organizations, helping to create international guidelines and teaching other hematologists about accurate diagnosis.
- Well-established research program: Penn has a robust lymphoma research program. Every day, our scientists learn more about lymphoma and better ways to detect it.
Make an Appointment
Please call 800-789-7366 or request a callback.