What are the next steps when a doctor suspects lymphoma?

If a doctor or healthcare professional suspects that a person may have lymphoma, they may order further tests and procedures to confirm the diagnosis. These may include:

1. Additional blood tests: Blood tests can provide information about overall blood counts and the presence of abnormal cells.

2. Urine analysis: A urine analysis can check for abnormal cells or other indicators of lymphoma.

3. Imaging tests: Imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI scans can help identify enlarged lymph nodes and other areas affected by lymphoma.

4. Biopsy: A biopsy involves taking a small sample of tissue from an affected lymph node or other area for examination under a microscope. This is considered the definitive test for diagnosing lymphoma and can determine the type and stage of the disease.

5. Bone marrow biopsy: In some cases, a bone marrow biopsy may be recommended to assess for the involvement of lymphoma in the bone marrow.

Once the diagnosis of lymphoma is confirmed, further evaluations and staging procedures may be conducted to determine the extent and aggressiveness of the disease. This may include additional imaging tests, PET (positron emission tomography) scans, or specialized tests to evaluate the function and characteristics of the affected lymph nodes.