Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is responsible for fighting off germs and diseases in the body. Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s are two common types of cancer. Here is everything you should know about the diagnosis and treatment options for lymphoma.

Diagnosis for lymphoma

1. Blood tests – The first step to diagnosing lymphoma is through blood tests. Your blood test gives a detailed report on the white blood cell, red blood cell, and platelet counts. When lymphoma spreads to the bone marrow, the counts of these get abnormally low.
2. Chest X-Ray and CT scan – These help doctors know if the lymph node has enlarged. Some doctors also ask for a full-body CT scan to further see abnormalities in different organs like the pelvis, chest, and abdomen.
3. Lymph node biopsy – In the list of diagnosis and treatment options for lymphoma, lymph node biopsy is one of the most commonly performed diagnostic methods. This includes surgically removing a part of the lymph node and examining it under a bioscope to look for cancerous growth.
4. Bone marrow aspiration – In this diagnostic method, a thin needle is inserted into the area of the hip bone to reach the bone marrow. Some bone marrow liquid is extracted and is studied under a microscope to see the extent of the spread of the disease.
5. PET scan – In this method, a small amount of radioactive material is injected into the bloodstream – swallowed or inhaled. Special cameras are used to identify the passage of the radioactive material in the body. The scan gives a detailed view of the body.

Treatment options for lymphoma

1. Chemotherapy – Like for all other cancers, chemotherapy is a common treatment option for lymphoma. It is given as a pill or through an IV line and helps kill growing cancer cells. Patients with lymphoma are usually given combination chemotherapy using two or more drugs.
2. Radiation therapy – This is also a common treatment choice for lymphoma and involves using high-powered energy beams to kill cancer cells.
3. Bone Marrow Transplant – In the list of diagnosis and treatment options for lymphoma, a very effective treatment option is a bone marrow transplant. Healthy bone marrow from a donor is infused in the body, and this helps rebuild affected bone marrow cells.
4. Car T-cell therapy – This is a type of immunotherapy approach that makes use of the person’s immune cells to kill cancer cells. Genetically modified immune cells are infused into the patient to help fight cancer.

The diagnosis and treatment options for lymphoma vary depending on the stage of cancer, the age of the patient, and their health history. When caught early, this disease can be diagnosed and treated successfully.