Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Alternative names:

histiocytic lymphoma; lymphoblastic lymphoma; lymphocytic lymphoma; lymphoma - non-Hodgkin's; lymphosarcoma; reticulum cell sarcoma

Symptoms:

• enlarged lymph nodes (such as an armpit lump)
  • isolated or widespread

• fever
• sweating, excessive with night sweats
• weight loss

Additional symptom that may be associated with this disease:

• flank pain

Signs and tests:

Tests that may indicate non-Hodgkin's lymphoma include:

• a peripheral blood smear showing lymphosarcoma
• a CBC with differential
• a lymph node biopsy
• a bone marrow biopsy

A staging evaluation (tumor staging) to determine the extent of the disease includes:

• a physical examination
• a CT scan of abdomen
• a lymphangiogram
• an exploratory laparotomy or liver biopsy
• a chest X-ray
• blood chemistry tests
• MRI or other X-ray study may also be performed

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

• a gallium (Ga.) scan
• an immunoelectrophoresis - serum test
• a quantitative immunoglobulins (nephelometry) test
• a mononucleosis spot test