Diagnosing NHL involves several steps, including:
- Medical History and Physical Exam: A detailed medical history and physical examination to check for swollen lymph nodes and other symptoms.
- Blood Tests: Blood tests to check for abnormalities in blood cell counts and organ function.
- Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as CT scans, PET scans, and MRIs to detect enlarged lymph nodes and other affected areas.
- Biopsy: A biopsy, usually of an enlarged lymph node, is performed to confirm the diagnosis. The tissue sample is examined under a microscope to identify the type of lymphoma.
- Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy: These tests may be done to check if the lymphoma has spread to the bone marrow.