5 methods for clinical diagnosis of lymphoma

In addition to the patient's symptoms and signs, a clear diagnosis of lymphoma also requires general laboratory tests and special tests, mainly including the following methods:

1. Blood and bone marrow examination

Patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma often have anemia and leukocytosis, mainly granulocytes. The presence of RS cells in bone marrow smears is evidence of bone marrow infiltration. Patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma mostly have normal white blood cells, a relative or absolute increase in lymphocytes, and leukemia-like blood and bone marrow pictures in the late stage.

2. Laboratory examination

In the active stage of lymphoma, accelerated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, increased serum lactate dehydrogenase activity, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase indicate a poor prognosis.

3. Imaging examination

Imaging examinations include examination of superficial lymph nodes, mediastinum and lungs, abdominal and pelvic lymph nodes, liver and spleen, positron emission tomography, etc.

4. Pathological examination

The method of taking enlarged areas, larger and intact lymph nodes for sectioning and staining for histopathological examination is the gold standard for diagnosing lymphoma.

5. Laparotomy

It is generally not accepted by patients. When fever is to be investigated, lymphoma is highly suspected clinically, and B-ultrasound reveals enlarged abdominal lymph nodes but no enlarged superficial lymph nodes for biopsy, laparotomy is also required for a clear diagnosis, and splenectomy and biopsy are performed at the same time.