Lymphoma: Detecting Non Hodgkins Lymphoma

Detecting Non Hodgkins Lymphoma

Published by M. B. Aria

There are around 30 types of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. In this article, we look at some of the tests and procedures that a patient can take to determine whether or not the patient does have lymphoma, and if so, what type of lymphoma the patient has and at what stage of the disease they are at ...

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a classification of lymphoma, which does not fall under the original classification discovered by Thomas Hodgkin in 1832. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma has around 30 types under it. Each of these 30 types has different characteristics and behaviors. When lymphoma afflicts a person, the lymphocytes behave abnormally and begin to multiply uncontrollably. Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are often systemic like low-grade fever, itchiness all over the body, fatigue and night sweating. Other symptoms of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma include a painless, swollen lymph node, usually in the neck, the armpit or the groin.

Having systemic symptoms or swelling in the lymph nodes does not necessarily mean that you are suffering from lymphoma. Majority of those people who suffered the aforementioned symptoms were never diagnosed with lymphoma. There are many reasons why people would manifest systemic symptoms that it why it is never conclusive that if you have those symptoms, you could be suffering from lymphoma. To ascertain the true condition of the patient, it is better to conduct definitive tests and procedures.

There are definitive tests and procedures that a patient can take to ascertain as to whether or not the patient does have lymphoma, and if the patient does have lymphoma, the same definitive test and procedures could give information as to what type of lymphoma the patient has and at what stage of the disease they are at. The tests and processes to ascertain the condition of a patient suspected with lymphoma include test and procedures such as the documentation of their histology, a physical examination, chest X-ray, blood tests, CT scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), scans of the person's chest, abdomen and pelvis and a bone marrow biopsy.

Where the first tests and procedures undergone by the patient yields positive results of lymphoma, it is advised that the patient and his or her family should go for a second opinion. Getting a second opinion does not mean that you do not trust your doctor, it is simply a precaution that you have to take in order to avoid lapses of judgments which could lead to unnecessary treatments.

Cancer management teams understand the need to get a second opinion on the matter. In fact doctors would recommend that you get a second opinion on the matter, as it will greatly help in managing the ailment of the patient. Getting second opinion means that the patient will need to undergo another set of tests and procedures which is often traumatic for the patient. However, the benefits that the patient could derive in getting a second opinion would outweigh the negative factors involved.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma has four stages. Stage 1 and 2 of lymphoma are considered early stages where the cancer cells could still be eradicated with less invasive treatments. Stage 3 and 4 of lymphoma are advance stages that will require more aggressive treatments. Depending on the type of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma you have in your body, your cancer management team will recommend the appropriate treatment. It is important that the treatment options should be discussed thoroughly with the patient and his or her family. Knowing what to expect in the treatment process would greatly help the patient and his or her family prepare for any eventualities.

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