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Diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Diagnostic Testing for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Tissue samples removed at the time of biopsy from patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma will be also subjected to several special tests in the pathology laboratory to help doctors identify the type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that is causing the disease. These tests include:
Immunophenotyping - This special immunological test uses antibodies to detect and identify specific markers called "antigens" that may be present on the surface of lymphoma cells. If certain surface antigens are identified, the oncologist may choose to use monoclonal antibodies such as rituximab (Rituxan) to treat the lymphoma.
Cytogenetics - Lymphoma cells are examined under a microscope to look for abnormalities in the chromosomes such as DNA translocations or extra pairs of chromosomes.
