Large cell lymphoma

How does a doctor know if it’s large cell lymphoma?

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for Hodgkin lymphoma may include:

• blood and urine tests
• x-rays of the chest- a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of your child’s internal tissues, bones and organs onto film
• lymph node biopsy - a sample of tissue is removed from a lymph node and examined under a microscope
• computerized tomography scan (also called a CT or CAT scan)- a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images
• lymphangiogram (LAG)- dye injected into the lymphatic system to determine how much it is involved in areas that are otherwise difficult to visualize
• bone marrow biopsy/aspiration - a procedure that involves a small amount of bone marrow fluid and tissue to be taken, usually from part of the hip bones, to examine the number, size, and maturity of blood cells and/or abnormal cells
• lumbar puncture (to evaluate central nervous system disease for cancer cells) - a special needle placed into your child’s lower back, into the spinal canal