A lymph node biopsy is only the start of the process
Diagnosing lymphoma can often be challenging.
When you have lymphoma, lymphocytes will change (mutate) and grow out of control.
Unlike other types ofchronic lymphadenopathy, the swollen lymph nodes in lymphoma will usually be painless.
Illustration by Brianna Gilmartin, Verywell
On palpation, the nodes will also appear firm, rubbery, and movable in the surrounding tissues.
An enlarged spleen or liver may also be suggestive of lymphoma.
Neither blood nor imaging tests can diagnose lymphoma.
Excisional Biopsy
The lymph node biopsy is the gold standard for the diagnosis of lymphoma.
The biopsy will target the lymph nodes which act as filters in the lymphatic system.
It usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes to perform.
It also avoids the need for a second biopsy should lymphoma be found.
If lymphoma is diagnosed, additional tests will be used to classify and stage the disease.
The lack of Reed-Sternberg cells generally excludes HL as the cause.
The differences are important for several reasons:
Both B-cell and T-cell lymphomas can occur with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Hodgkin lymphoma involves B-cells only.
Areas of Involvement
The organs and tissues affected can further aid in the classification of lymphoma.
Oftentimes, the disease will only be diagnosed when multiple extranodal sites are involved.
Symptoms are frequently missed or misdiagnosed with few tell-tale clues to rely on.
Even if lymphoma is not the cause, persistent symptoms of any sort warrant thorough investigation.
No, you should not feel pain.
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