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Tests for lymphoma: diagnosis, types and staging of the disease. What blood tests are taken for lymphoma and what indicators should you pay special attention to? Lymphoma tests

A blood test for lymphoma is an important procedure that helps to understand the patient’s condition. The advantage of lymphoma is that diagnosis performed at the first stage and adequate therapy help not only prevent deterioration of the condition, but also cure it. Lymphomas are understood as tumor-like formations that occur against the background of the work of abnormal lymphocytes, which affect the vascular lymphatic network and lymph node structures, which are present in several parts of the body.

Lymphoma, unlike other tumor “brothers”, has a latent treatment; its first signs are ignored by many patients. Lymphomas start with a slight increase in temperature, fatigue, and chronic fatigue. In many cases, before a correct diagnosis is made, patients believe that they simply have ARVI.

It is this negligent attitude, as a result of the lack of a general examination, that leads to further progression of lymphoma, which spreads through the vessels and nodes that make up the lymphatic system. It cannot be ruled out that metastasis occurs to other structures of the body.

Usually, at the stage of sufficient development of lymphoma, symptoms appear that are very difficult to ignore. These are tumors of the lymph nodes. They noticeably increase in size and harden slightly. We are talking about lymph nodes in the armpits, groin and neck. Often such symptoms are combined with increased sweating, hyperthermia within 39 degrees, and there are other symptoms that are characteristic of the lymphoma tumor process:

  • despite the “swelling” in size of the lymph nodes, they are not painful;
  • a person suddenly begins to lose weight;
  • there is a feeling of itching on the skin without the presence of rashes;
  • appetite disappears, against which anorexia may develop;
  • cough or shortness of breath may appear for no reason;
  • the stomach becomes painful, nausea and vomiting appear.

As the oncological process reaches a new level, the lymph nodes enlarge and begin to compress structures located nearby, leading to disruption of their activity. If the examination shows the start of the pathology near the lungs, then such patients often experience shortness of breath. Depending on which organs are affected, symptoms will vary.

One of the poor diagnostic manifestations is the transition of cancer cells into the bone marrow fluid, as a result of which the process of cell maturation is disrupted. In this case, symptoms are added in the form of constant fatigue, powerlessness, limbs begin to go numb, painful sensations appear in the back, and headaches appear. In this case, diagnosis through various tests and procedures is recommended, since early detection increases your chances of fighting the disease.

What tests to take

In lymphoma, a blood test is important because it can reveal the presence of abnormalities in organic activity. If we are talking about a general blood test, then only its indicators cannot be used to make an accurate diagnosis of the presence of lymphoma. The blood contains a variety of cells, changes in the norm of which can indicate various kinds of pathological processes.

Lymphosarcoma usually manifests itself as follows. The analyzed results show a slight decrease in hemoglobin and leukocytes. At the same time, other indicators: the number of eosinophils and neutrophils and the rate at which red blood cells settle begin to increase.

If lymphosarcoma has already reached the bone marrow fluid, then the development of leukemia is provoked. In this case, the general analysis will show an increase in the number of leukocyte cells. But the study will reveal many anomalous ones among them. The study of such test results makes it possible to assume the generalization of the oncological process. In this case, elimination of the pathology is possible only through bone marrow transplantation.

In addition, diagnostics based on blood parameters demonstrate a decrease in hemoglobin, which is a common sign of anemia, but can also be a sign of lymph-class tumors. This is most often due to the fact that tumors cause symptoms such as nausea and lack of appetite. Against the background of such a course, anemia develops. When blood processes associated with lymph tumors are diagnosed, a serious change in the number of components of protein origin is recorded.

Of course, a general blood test alone is not enough for a doctor. Biochemistry also needs to be done. Biochemistry, in turn, demonstrates information about how organismal systems operate. With the help of such an analysis, you can check the state of liver and kidney function, which helps in the timely detection of inflammation and problems with metabolic disorders. In addition, diagnosing a tumor using biochemistry helps determine the stage of the process.

Hodgkin's lymphoma, like any other, cannot be done without testing for tumor markers. This is a mandatory blood test also for lymphogranulomatosis, when there is a suspicion of oncology. We are talking about searching in the blood for specific compounds of protein origin that are characteristic of oncology within organs. Lymph formations lead to the formation of malignant cellular structures, one of which is beta2-microglobulin.

By such a marker is meant a protein-type antibody that is present in the blood if the patient has a lymph tumor, regardless of its origin. In accordance with the level of content of this tumor marker, specialists determine the specific stage of the lymphoma tumor process. The more protein-type antibodies are detected in the blood, the worse things are.

During cancer progression, an increase in the number of markers is constantly recorded. A drop in their content is often a consequence of chemotherapy or radiation, in which case the result of the analysis is perceived as confirmation of the effectiveness of therapy. Such an analysis is an indicative study. If tumor markers are detected early, you can increase your chances of recovery.

Other options and preparation

Immunological studies cannot be excluded from the list of mandatory blood tests. This analysis helps determine the specific stage of oncology. The fact is that human immunity is directly dependent on the functioning of the lymphatic system. Therefore, any processes of a tumor nature associated with it lead to immediate suppression of the immune system.

Against the background of the presence of oncology in the lymph system, there are changes in the number of B- and T-lymphocytes, and the presence of lymphocytic cells with an abnormal structure is recorded. This is clearly demonstrated by immunological analysis.

In order for the resulting test results to be as reliable as possible, it is important not to neglect proper preparation for the tests. To do this, avoid drinking any alcoholic beverages during the day before donating blood. An hour before taking the material, you need to give up cigarettes.

Blood donation is performed on an empty stomach in the morning. At least 12 hours must have passed since your last meal. Only still water is available for drinking; other foods and liquids should be excluded. It is important to limit physical and emotional overload.

In addition, test results may change while taking certain medications, so if such a factor is present, it is important to inform your doctor about it. If it is not possible to exclude drugs, the decoding of the obtained data will be carried out taking this fact into account. That is why the interpretation of the tests should be carried out by the attending physician.

After the results of blood tests are received, additional tests are recommended to confirm the diagnosis. We are talking about a chest x-ray, which allows you to determine the presence of enlarged lymph nodes. Using computed tomography, it will be possible to detect nodes that are abnormal in size and examine lesions that have appeared in the internal organs.

A procedure such as positron emission tomography helps in detecting the location of a malignant tumor. We are talking about the introduction of a special contrast agent into the patient’s body, after which a scan is performed. MRI involves scanning to look at a patient's brain in more detail. We are talking not only about the head, but also about the spinal. In some cases, a biopsy is not necessary. We are talking about examining a tissue sample. To do this, a small piece of tissue is taken from a lymph node or spinal cord using a special needle, after which the sample is sent for microscopic examination. This check will help determine not only the type of disorder, but also the stage of the disease, which is important when selecting therapy.

Malignant diseases of lymphoid tissue develop relatively slowly. Most lymphomas are indolent and in the first stages practically do not cause severe symptoms. These types of lymphomas are called indolent. There are also aggressive tumors of lymphogenous origin that quickly metastasize, including to the bone marrow.

One of the most revealing tests for lymph cancer is a blood test. Often, timely and detailed examination of the cellular structures of the blood can help diagnose the disease at a very early stage and prescribe effective and adequate treatment.

Let's consider which blood test indicators are most typical for various types of lymphomas. A complete diagnosis of lymphoma is unthinkable without a general and detailed blood test.

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A clinical blood test for suspected lymphoma involves the following procedures:

  • general blood test;
  • biochemical analysis;
  • analysis for cancer markers;
  • immunological blood test.

General blood test

A general blood test for lymphoma allows you to assess the content of leukocytes, platelets, hemoglobin and red blood cells in the blood. With lymphoma, quantitative and qualitative blood parameters almost always change. For example, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate will almost always be elevated, which indicates the presence of a pathological process in the body.

If the process has spread to the bone marrow and caused leukemia, then an increased content of leukocytes, including atypical ones, will certainly be observed in the blood. This indicator indicates the generalization of the process. At this stage, only a bone marrow transplant can cure the patient.

A general blood test can also reveal the presence of anemia, a condition that often accompanies lymphatic cancer. Almost always, oncological diseases, and especially those of a certain localization (in the internal organs), lead to a decrease in appetite and a decrease in the supply of nutrients to the body. This leads to low hemoglobin levels in the blood and other manifestations of anemia.

An increased protein content may also indicate a malignant process. In particular, this is evidenced by the high amount of gamma globulin, a substance produced by the immune system.

A complete blood count for Hodgkin lymphoma at an advanced stage of the disease shows the presence of malignant lymphocytes in the blood and a change in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

Biochemical analysis

A biochemical blood test (“biochemistry”) allows us to judge the functional state of all body systems.

Biochemical research for lymphoma allows:

  • assess the condition of the liver;
  • check kidney function;
  • see changes in metabolic processes;
  • detect the presence of an inflammatory process in the body.

Sometimes, with the help of biochemical analysis, it is even possible to determine (indirectly) the stage of the oncological process. Biochemistry also allows you to determine the content of chemical elements in the blood.

Analysis for tumor markers

Cancer markers are specific antibodies (proteins) that accompany malignant processes in the body. Lymphoid tumors (like any other malignant neoplasms) produce specific cells.

A typical tumor marker for lymphoma is beta2-microglobulin. These substances in the blood, which are antibodies of a protein nature, can almost always be detected in the blood both in non-Hodgkin lymphomas and in malignant Hodgkin tumors.

The concentration of beta-2 microglobulin indicates the stage of the disease. The connection is direct: the higher the stage, the more peptides in the blood. Progressive pathology leads to a constant increase in microglobulin in the blood. This usually leads to a poor prognosis for treatment. With successful therapy, the level of this tumor marker in the blood begins to decrease: this is an indicative analysis during chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Early identification of markers is extremely important for successful treatment. Antibodies often appear at the very first stage of the disease, even before signs of deterioration in health arise. You should donate blood for cancer markers in the morning on an empty stomach.

Describes how Hodgkin's lymphoma is treated.

Immunological study

This type of blood test is almost always prescribed when lymphoma is suspected or to clarify the stage of the disease. Since the lymphatic system directly affects the immune system, malignant processes in the cells of this system lead to a sharp decrease in the protective status.

The populations of T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes in the blood undergo quantitative changes, in addition, modified, atypical cells of the lymphatic system can be detected.

The simplest and most informative method for diagnosing lymphoma is the results of blood tests. To give a brief description, it is an oncological disease of lymphoid tissue, in which the size of the lymphoid nodes increases. This pathology is accompanied by damage to internal organs in which “tumor” lymphocytes accumulate. If there are symptoms that are characteristic of this disease, the doctor will first order the patient to submit biomaterial for diagnosis.

First manifestations of lymphoma

The first manifestations of lymphoma are minor: there is a slight increase in body temperature, malaise, and fatigue. Because of this, lymphoma in the initial stages is often confused with ARVI. A person treats a “false cold,” while the real disease continues to progress. “Tumor” lymphocytes spread throughout the body through lymph flow, causing damage to tissues and organs.

As a result, other symptoms appear that become impossible to ignore:

Most of the symptoms are associated with enlarged lymph nodes located near certain organs. For example, enlarged lymph nodes in the lung area cause shortness of breath and an unreasonable constant cough. When cancer lymphoid cells enter the bone marrow, a disruption in the formation of blood cells occurs. This leads to rapid fatigue, a feeling of numbness in the limbs, and headaches.

If the described symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a specialist. Attempting self-treatment is not recommended. This will lead to the progression of the disease and the appearance of metastases in the future.

Methods for diagnosing lymphoma

Methods for diagnosing lymphoma are divided into stages that make it possible to identify its presence in the body, determine the stage of the disease, its prevalence, and identify possible metastases.

Diagnosis of lymphoma is divided into two groups: instrumental and laboratory research methods.

Instrumental methods include:

  1. Computed tomography.
  2. Magnetic resonance imaging.

The laboratory research method, in turn, includes tests:


A blood test for suspected lymphoma is used first, as it is the simplest and most reliable for making a diagnosis of lymphoma.

This study includes:

  1. Complete blood count (CBC);
  2. Blood biochemistry;
  3. Blood for tumor markers;
  4. Immunological analysis.

In any medical institution where this type of research is carried out, it is possible to take blood tests for the presence of lymphoma. Usually results come quickly. The timing must be clarified at the medical institution where the tests are carried out.

General and biochemical blood tests

There is no special preparation for donating blood for lymphoma for a general blood test and biochemistry. The preparation will be the same as for regular blood tests:

  • The donation of biomaterial is carried out before 10:00 am on an empty stomach (drinking water is allowed);
  • The evening meal before the study should be light;
  • Drinking alcoholic beverages 2 days in advance is not advisable;
  • Before and during the collection of biomaterial for research, the patient should be in a state of calm. Heavy loads in the immediate period before taking samples are not advisable.

If you suspect lymphoma, blood sampling is carried out in the same way as during normal donation for testing. A tourniquet is applied above the injection site, most often in the area of ​​the elbow. But if there is a pathological anatomy of the arm structure, the injection site is determined by medical personnel. After the field is treated twice with alcohol, a needle is inserted into a vein and blood is drawn. Next, a cotton ball is applied and pressed to the injection site, the tourniquet is removed and the needle is removed.

After submitting the material for examination, it is necessary to keep the cotton wool at the puncture site for at least 2-3 minutes, without massaging! This rule must be observed, since massaging the injection site and periodically checking whether the blood has stopped or not will subsequently lead to the formation of hematomas, or so-called “bruises,” at the puncture site.

In lymphoma, the values ​​of CBC and biochemistry may be different. Indicators indicating suspicion of the presence of the disease are:

  1. Increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
  2. Decreased hemoglobin.
  3. Decrease in the number of leukocytes.
  4. Changes in leukogram data.

Data obtained from a biochemical blood test indicate the state of the body during the disease.

Blood test for tumor markers

The study should be carried out in the morning on an empty stomach.

Already in the early stages of the disease, before the first signs appear, changes in the analyzed data will be visible. Tumor markers are proteins (antibodies) that accompany the processes of tumor formation in the body. They can be identified in benign and malignant formations. Determining the stage of the disease by the number of tumor markers is simple - the higher the indicator, the more severe the stage of the disease. This method is very effective in identifying anaplastic lymphoma. Therefore, this analysis is also included in the list of mandatory ones.

Immunological blood test

It is also informative when confirming the presence of lymphoma, as well as for detailing the stage of the disease. The human immune system depends directly on the proper functioning of the lymphoid system. Therefore, the development of a tumor in the lymph leads to a decrease in the protective function of the patient’s body, which will be clearly displayed during this examination.

Lymphoma is a malignant process that develops in the lymphatic tissue. Due to the specific nature of the disease, diagnosing it in the early stages can be very difficult. A blood test for lymphoma is one of the most informative studies, as it can show the presence of a pathological process in the early stages. What tests need to be taken, and what results indicate a dangerous disease - more about this.

A blood test is mandatory if the disease is suspected

Blood tests for lymphoma are included in the list of necessary examinations if this disease is suspected. With lymphoma, specific tumor markers can be detected in the blood, which allows diagnosis to be made at an early stage and treatment to begin in a timely manner.

The peculiarity of lymphoma is that this pathology can be asymptomatic for a long time. As a rule, over a long period of time, the only alarming symptom is lymphadenopathy, or enlarged lymph nodes. This symptom accompanies many different diseases, from infections to hormonal changes. The mere presence of such a symptom should alert the patient and force him to see a doctor. The doctor will conduct an examination and refer you for tests that will help either confirm or refute the malignant nature of the disorder.

Blood tests for lymphoma are a fairly reliable indicator, helping to identify pathology at stages 1-2.

Treatment of lymphoma in the early stages is mostly successful, with a five-year survival rate of more than 90%.

First of all, if lymphadenopathy appears, you should consult a physician. The doctor will refer the patient for an examination, including laboratory tests. Based on the results of these tests, a decision on further therapy will be made. If cancer is confirmed, the patient will be referred for treatment to an oncologist.

Types of analyzes

A blood test for lymphoma is necessary, since only such a study helps make a diagnosis at an early stage of the development of pathology. However, for a doctor to suggest this diagnosis, good reasons are needed. The patient first needs to undergo a general examination, which includes an ultrasound of enlarged or inflamed lymph nodes. In cases where regional nodes in one area are enlarged, radiography or MRI may be additionally prescribed to accurately visualize the condition of the lymphoid tissue.

List of necessary laboratory tests:

  • general blood test;
  • blood biochemistry;
  • determination of tumor markers;
  • immunological blood test.

A general blood test is mandatory for all patients who consult a doctor with complaints of enlarged lymph nodes. It is quite informative and allows you to exclude infectious causes of lymphadenopathy. Biochemical analysis is also included in the list of mandatory ones. Moreover, doctors recommend doing such a study annually, regardless of the presence of complaints.

Tumor markers for enlarged lymph nodes are another informative analysis. The presence of specific proteins in a lymph or blood test allows the diagnosis of Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

Immunological testing is not included in the list of necessary tests and is prescribed only when indicated.

What will a general clinical blood test tell you?


A general blood test is the simplest and at the same time provides basic information about the presence and degree of generalization of the pathology

A complete clinical blood test (CBC) for lymphoma is one of the first studies that must be completed for a preliminary assessment of the condition of the lymphatic system. This test suggests a diagnosis based on quantitative changes in blood counts. Moreover, the CBC is a mandatory analysis for any pathologies associated with enlarged lymph nodes and a general deterioration in well-being.

Quite often it happens that a patient comes to the doctor with general complaints, the specialist examines the patient and sends him for a general blood test, without even suspecting lymphoma. It is often possible to detect signs of lymphoma using a general blood test, even despite the absence of clear symptoms in the patient.

So, what indicators in a blood test will indicate lymphoma?

  • First of all, the analysis will reveal a low level of hemoglobin, which indicates anemia (anemia). This indicator fully explains the poor health of patients with a malignant process occurring in the lymphatic system. Lymphoma is characterized by rapid fatigue, loss of strength, loss of appetite and weight loss, which is observed in all people with low hemoglobin.
  • The second important criterion for assessing the general condition of the lymphatic system is the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). With lymphoma, this figure will be significantly increased, while the norm is up to 20 mm/h.
  • A complete blood count for lymphoma shows a noticeable decrease in the number of platelets. This characteristic explains frequent internal bleeding during the pathological process.
  • Attention is also paid to the number of lymphocytes in a blood test, the number of which decreases in lymphoma.
  • In the case of lymphosarcoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma and other types of malignant processes in the lymphatic system, a blood test will reveal a high level of eosinophils.

The listed results make it possible to suspect the presence of a malignant process and necessitate the need for additional tests to obtain a complete picture of what is happening in the body.

Biochemical analysis

If a general blood test gives a general description of the changes that occur during lymphoma, then blood biochemistry allows you to get a more detailed result. This analysis is aimed, first of all, at identifying pathological processes in the liver and spleen, which are the first to be affected by malignant processes in the lymph nodes.

The main indicators of biochemical analysis indicating a malignant process:

  • high creatinine levels, which indicates problems with the kidneys and urinary system;
  • high alkaline phosphatase levels;
  • increase in LGD.

Increased levels of enzymes (lactate dehydrogenase, or LHD, and alkaline phosphatase) indicate problems with the kidneys, liver, and urinary system. If we compare the results obtained with a general blood test, we can assume not only the presence of lymphoma, but also the approximate stage of oncological pathology.


The tumor marker b-2-microglobulin is used to confirm the diagnosis and monitor patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

With any type of malignant process, special protein compounds called tumor markers are released in the body. In case of pathologies of the lymph nodes, tumor markers are found in the blood. The main tumor marker, the presence of which must be checked if cancer is suspected, is beta-2-microglobulin.

This tumor marker is detected when the lymph nodes are affected by a malignant tumor, including when metastases spread. Moreover, the higher the level of this protein, the more extensive the tumor process, the worse the prognosis.

It is important to know that beta-2 microglobulin is found in the blood not only in lymphoma, but also in hematological malignancies and myeloma. In addition, this substance in the blood serum may indicate severe infectious processes, inflammation, autoimmune pathologies and viral infections.

The presence of this tumor marker manifests itself not only in lymphogranulomatosis, but also in any pathological conditions associated with suppression of the immune system. Thus, to accurately make a diagnosis, the presence of only this substance in the blood is not enough. If a tumor marker of the lymphatic system is identified, lymphoma can be diagnosed only if there are other changes in the blood characteristic of this disease.

Immunological analysis

Diagnosis of lymphoma by blood test includes immunological testing. Indications for this analysis are various general symptoms that persist for a long period (more than three weeks). This analysis is prescribed if there is reason to suspect any immunopathological process. Since any malignant processes occurring in the body have a pronounced effect on the immune system, and the lymphatic system is an important part of the immune system, such an analysis for lymphoma is quite informative.

If there is oncological pathology, abnormal lymphocytic cells will be detected in the blood. Also in the results of this analysis you can notice a deviation from the norm in the number of B and T lymphocytes.

Conducting and cost of tests


To get tested, you must have a doctor's referral

Blood tests can be taken both at the clinic and in private laboratories. This requires a referral from the attending physician. When receiving test results, you should provide a laboratory report to your attending physician, since it is very difficult to decipher the results yourself.

Before you donate blood, you need to prepare. You must adhere to the following rules:

  • three days before the test, avoid alcohol;
  • donate blood on an empty stomach;
  • 8-10 hours before handing over the material, refuse food;
  • a week before the study, stop taking medications.

The cost of tests depends on the pricing policy of the clinic or laboratory. In a private laboratory, a simple OAC costs about 200 rubles. A biochemical blood test will cost approximately 350 rubles.

The cost of an analysis to determine tumor markers is 700-1000 rubles, depending on the clinic where the analysis is performed. A standard immunological test costs about 1,500 rubles.

What tests are done during treatment for lymphoma?

During treatment of cancer pathology, the patient must regularly undergo a biochemical blood test and analysis for tumor markers. These examinations make it possible to evaluate the effectiveness of the chosen treatment regimen and determine the dynamics of the disease. Additionally, with successful treatment, the amount of beta-2 microglobulin will begin to decrease over time, which is a good sign.

It is important to remember that timely diagnosed lymphomas can be treated quite successfully with medications (monoclonal antibodies), while in the later stages only a bone marrow transplant can save the patient. If you notice alarming symptoms and manifestations of lymphoma, you should quickly sign up for a detailed blood test and discuss the results with your doctor.

Lymphoma is a malignant tumor. Its characteristic symptom is enlarged lymph nodes. A blood test for lymphoma can help make the diagnosis. Since the lymphatic system is extremely important for the immune system, this disease can lead to serious consequences.

Lymph nodes are located throughout the human body, so lymphoma can develop in any part of the body. Modern medicine does not know for certain what exactly causes the disease. Scientists suggest that negative factors that can provoke the occurrence of lymphoma may be previous viral diseases. For example, viral mononucleosis increases the risk of lymphoma. Age is a risk factor for lymphoma. Despite the fact that you can get it in your youth, cases of the disease often occur in people over 55-60 years of age. The use of certain types of medications: immunosuppressants, steroid hormones and chemotherapy drugs increases the risk of developing a tumor. Autoimmune diseases contribute to the appearance of lymphomas. Prolonged contact with pesticides and herbicides can cause tumors.

Enlarged lymph nodes are the first sign of lymphoma. They can increase in any part of the body: armpits, neck, groin. This process may be accompanied by slight discomfort or not cause pain. The latter option is observed in cases of slight growth of nodes.

As the lymph nodes grow, they begin to put pressure on the internal organs and interfere with their normal functioning. If enlarged lymph nodes are located near the lungs, this leads to chest pain and cough, if near the stomach, the result is pain in the abdominal area.

Sometimes lymphoma is accompanied by cancer cells entering the spinal cord and bone marrow. This leads to disruptions in the production of blood cells. The result may be weakness and fatigue. These conditions are often accompanied by headaches, numbness of the limbs, and back pain.

Lymphoma is characterized by the following symptoms:

  • unreasonably high body temperature (above 38 degrees);
  • noticeable weight loss that is not preceded by changes in diet;
  • weakness, fatigue, drowsiness;
  • increased sweating;
  • constant skin itching.

Enlarged lymph nodes, accompanied by even one of the listed symptoms, is a serious reason to consult a doctor.

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Diagnosis of lymphoma

The following tests may be ordered to detect lymphoma:

  1. General blood test. The results of this analysis do not confirm the diagnosis, but they can be used to judge the presence of disruptions in the normal functioning of the body. The blood contains leukocytes, red blood cells and platelets. A violation of their quantitative and qualitative ratio is the first signal that something wrong is happening in the body. In case of lymphoma, a general blood test will demonstrate low levels of lymphocytes and hemoglobin and indicators of ESR, neutrophils and eosinophils that are higher than normal. In lymphoma, white blood cells, lymphocytes, begin to divide uncontrollably, so their number can exceed normal levels by tens of times.
  2. Biochemical blood test. This study allows for a more in-depth study of the state of the body's systems. In lymphoma, biochemical analysis will reveal changes in metabolic processes, increased levels of creatinine, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase. This analysis can show how much internal organs (kidneys and liver) are affected by the disease.
  3. Blood test for tumor markers. The formation and existence of malignant tumors is accompanied by the appearance of their waste products in the body. Healthy tissues, in turn, produce antibodies in response to the invasion of cancer cells. Such substances are known as tumor markers, and they can be detected with a special blood test. Tumor markers can often be detected in the blood at the very first stages of the disease, even in its asymptomatic phase. By the number of these bodies, one can judge at what stage the tumor is and whether the prescribed treatment is effective.

In order for the blood test to give accurate results, some recommendations should be followed. On the day before the test, it is advisable to limit yourself to a light dinner and exclude intense training and alcohol consumption. Blood should be donated before 10 am, on an empty stomach; it is better to drink only clean water. During blood sampling, you need to have a normal heartbeat, so any actions that lead to an increase in heart rate: running, stress, must be excluded.

All medical procedures planned for this day: ultrasound, ECG, massage, etc. – must be rescheduled for a time after blood sampling.

Only a doctor can correctly interpret the results of medical research.

After examining the results of a blood test, additional tests may be needed to make an accurate diagnosis, such as:

  • Chest X-ray - allows you to identify enlarged lymph nodes;
  • computed tomography - helps to find lymph nodes of abnormal size and determine possible damage to internal organs;
  • positron emission tomography - reveals the location of a malignant tumor, for this the patient is injected with a special substance and a body scan is performed;
  • magnetic resonance imaging - a scan that allows you to examine the patient’s brain and spinal cord in detail;
  • biopsy - examination of a tissue sample: using a special needle, a piece of tissue is taken from a lymph node or spinal cord, then the sample is examined using a microscope, which helps to accurately determine the type and stage of the disease and prescribe appropriate treatment.