Hodgkin lymphoma
Diagnosis and tests
Diagnosing Hodgkin lymphoma
Your family doctor (GP) will talk to you about your symptoms. and arrange blood tests, if needed. If your blood test is abnormal you will be referred to hospital to have a test called a lymph node biopsy.
This test involves removing a sample of cells from an enlarged lymph node and looks at them closely under a microscope in the laboratory. If the enlarged node is on your neck, the cells can be taken without putting you to sleep. If the node is deeper, like in your chest, you will need a general anaesthetic.
Read more about having a lymph node biopsy.
If you are diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, we're here for you.
Our cancer nurses are here if you need information or just want to talk. They can help you to understand your diagnosis and what to expect, send you information and tell you about our services.
Further tests for Hodgkin lymphoma
You may need further tests to give your doctors more information about your general health and about the cancer. For example:
- The number and location of affected lymph nodes
- If the affected lymph nodes are above or below your diaphragm
- If the disease is found in your bone marrow or in places outside the lymphatic system, such as your liver
A PET scan can show if the cancer is in other tissues and organs. PET scans are important for managing Hodgkin lymphoma. They can show how well the cancer is responding to treatment.
Read more about PET scans.
A special type of X-ray that gives a detailed picture of the inside of your body.
Read more about CT scans.
Using sound waves to look for abnormal changes inside your body, usually your liver and upper abdomen (tummy).
Read more about ultrasound scans.
Taking a sample of your bone marrow (and maybe bone) and looking at it under a microscope to see the number and type of cells in it.
Read more about having a bone marrow aspirate and trephine biopsy.
A scan that uses magnetic energy to build up a picture of the tissues inside your body.
Read more about MRI scans.
As some chemotherapy drugs can weaken your heart muscle, you might have an echocardiogram (Echo) before treatment to check how well your heart is working. An Echo is a type of ultrasound scan used to look at the heart and nearby blood vessels. You may also have breathing tests to measure how well your lungs are working before you start treatment. The main type of breathing test is a pulmonary function test, which is where you breathe into a measuring device.
The tests you have can help to stage your cancer. This means finding out the size and position of the cancer.
Some tests may be used see how you are responding to treatment.
A haematologist is a doctor who specialises in treating blood and bone marrow problems.
Waiting for test results
While some results may come back quickly, others may take a few weeks. Waiting for results can be an anxious time. It may help to talk things over with your doctor or nurse or with a relative or close friend. You can also call our Support Line on 1800 200 700 or visit a Daffodil Centre to speak to a cancer nurse.
What are the stages of Hodgkin lymphoma?
Staging means finding out how much of your body is affected by the disease. Staging will help your doctor to plan the best treatment for you.
Hodgkin lymphoma is usually described using numbers 1–4 and letters A, B, E and S depending on your symptoms and how many lymph nodes or organs are involved.
Number staging
Your doctor often uses this information to give your cancer a number stage – from 1 to 4. In general, the lower the number, the less advanced the cancer. A higher number means a more advanced cancer.
One group of lymph nodes is affected on one side of your diaphragm (either above or below your diaphragm).
Two or more groups of lymph nodes are affected either above or below your diaphragm.
Lymph nodes are affected above and below your diaphragm.
Lymphoma can be found in organs outside your lymphatic system or in your bone marrow.
Knowing the stage of your cancer helps your team to plan the best treatment for you.
Early and late stage lymphoma
This includes stage 1 and possibly stage 2.
This is usually stage 2, 3 or 4. It is possible to treat and cure advanced stage lymphoma.
Letter codes
- A: No symptoms.
- B: You have symptoms, such as weight loss, fever and night sweats.
- E: The lymphoma is in unusual places outside your lymph nodes. For example, in your stomach. This is called extranodal lymphoma (the letter E stands for extranodal).
- S: The lymphoma is in your spleen.
Recurrent or relapsed lymphoma
This is when the disease comes back after treatment. It can still be treated successfully, depending on the stage.
Staging can be hard to understand, so ask your doctor and nurse for more information if you need it.
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