Tests

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is usually diagnosed by removing and examining an enlarged lymph node. This is done as a minor operation using local or general anaesthetic. If the node shows Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma further tests may be done to see whether it is in other areas of the body including:

• Chest X-ray
• Computed Tomography (CT) scan
• Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan
• Blood tests – LDH is a special blood test that is used like a tumour marker in NHL. LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) is an enzyme which is raised in some people with NHL – monitoring LDH levels in the blood may give some indication of whether disease is in remission but it is not very accurate.

Other tests may include:

• Endoscopy to assess whether the bowel is affected by lymphoma
• Lumbar puncture to see if the brain or spinal cord is affected by lymphoma

Amended February 2009