A blood test for lymphoma is an important indicator of the patient's condition. The advantage of lymphoma over other cancers is that, with early diagnosis and timely treatment, it is possible not only to stop the development of the neoplasm, but also to completely eliminate it. Pathology is a tumor formation that occurs as a result of the formation of abnormal lymphocytic cells, which leads to vascular lesions and the structure of lymph nodes present in several areas of the human body.
According to the parameters of a blood test, lymphoma can be determined.
Description and symptoms
Unlike other types of neoplasms, the development of lymphoma occurs almost all the time in a latent form, that is, it does not manifest itself with external symptoms. The first signs of lymphoma formation are chronic fatigue, increased fatigue and a slight increase in body temperature. It is often quite difficult to distinguish lymphoma from a common cold, which explains the late diagnosis of the tumor.
The absence of diagnostic measures and the ignoring of the existing symptoms lead to the fact that the disease begins to rapidly develop and spread through the lymph nodes and blood vessels. The spread of metastases to other organs and structures of the patient’s body is also possible.
In no case should you ignore the symptoms of lymphoma. Blood tests should be taken regularly.
Symptoms at a Later Stage
In the future, with the growth of the tumor, other symptoms arise, which it is no longer possible to ignore. A characteristic sign of lymphoma is swelling of the lymph nodes. They significantly grow and become dense upon palpation. It can be lymph nodes under the armpits, on the neck and groin. Quite often, an increase in nodes is accompanied by hyperhidrosis, hyperthermia up to 39 degrees. In addition, doctors call the following signs of lymphoma:
1. Despite the increase in size, the lymph nodes are painless.
2. Unreasonable and sharp weight loss.
3. Itching sensation on the skin without exposure to irritating factors.
4. Decreased appetite, leading to an anorexic state.
5. Causeless shortness of breath or cough.
6. Soreness of the abdomen, nausea and vomiting.
With the progression of the oncological process, the lymph nodes increase even more and begin to exert pressure on the structures located nearby, disrupting their normal functioning. If the pathological process is localized in close proximity to the lungs, then patients complain of severe shortness of breath. Symptoms vary depending on the location of the tumor.
Common signs of cancer
An alarming sign is the spread of tumor cells into bone marrow fluid, which disrupts the maturation of its cells. In this case, weakness, chronic fatigue, numbness of the extremities, soreness in the back, and pain in the head are added to the main symptoms. In this situation, it is necessary to undergo a full examination and pass a series of blood tests, which will allow you to diagnose the disease at an early stage of development and prevent irreversible processes.
Blood test for lymphoma: types and indicators
An important role in the diagnosis and treatment of lymphoma is played by a blood test. Analysis of this particular fluid allows you to get a complete picture of the disturbances in the organic activity of the body. A general blood test is quite informative, but a single analysis is not enough to diagnose lymphoma. Blood consists of many cells, deviations from the norm of which indicate the presence of pathological conditions.
Decreased hemoglobin and white blood cells
If we talk about blood counts for lymphosarcoma, then studies show a pronounced decrease in hemoglobin and white blood cells with this pathology. In this case, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate increases by more than 20 mm / hour. The level of eosinophils and neutrophils also shows a tendency to increase to 5% and 6% (in the case of stab eosinophils), respectively.
What will be the indicators of a blood test for lymphoma, many are interested.
Increase in white blood cells
When lymphoma affects bone marrow fluid, leukemia occurs. In this situation, there is an increase in leukocyte cells above 4.0 x 109 / L. Moreover, a special study will reveal a lot of abnormal cells. Such indicators make it possible to suggest a generalized type oncological process. Treatment is only through bone marrow transplantation. This is a complex and dangerous procedure, as the patient’s immunity is completely eliminated before transplantation. After surgery, the donor’s bone marrow may not take root.
A decrease in hemoglobin according to the results of a blood test for lymphoma below 120 g / l may also indicate anemia. The latter is much more common, so panic with a decrease in hemoglobin is not worth it. However, if anemia is accompanied by loss of appetite and nausea, an additional examination should be performed. With a similar course of the disease, anemia can be fixed when serious changes in the protein components in the biological fluid occur.
Biochemical analysis
A general blood test for lymphoma is not enough for a complete diagnosis, therefore a biochemical analysis is also carried out. This study shows the work of organs and systems in the patient's body. Biochemical analysis demonstrates how the kidneys and liver work. Thanks to this study, it is possible to timely identify inflammatory processes and metabolic disorders in the body. Biochemistry also makes it possible to determine the stage of development of lymphoma.
Research on tumor markers
One of the key diagnostic methods for all types of tumors is tumor markers. This blood test for lymphoma is prescribed without fail in cases of suspected lymphogranulomatosis or cancer. During the study, specific protein compounds are identified that indicate the presence of an oncological process in the body.
Elevated protein
An indicator of the presence of lymphoma is an increased amount of protein called beta-2-microglobulin. These are antibodies of protein origin, which are found in the blood in the presence of a tumor of the lymphoma type, regardless of its location. The more such cells, the more advanced the oncological process. Deviation from the norm is an indicator above 3.5 g / l.
The number of tumor markers is growing in proportion to the development of the pathological process. Their decline is observed against the background of chemotherapy or radiation, so a blood test can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. With early detection of tumor markers in the blood, the patient's chances of recovery increase.
Immunological assay
A list of mandatory studies for suspected lymphoma also includes immunological analysis. This diagnostic study shows the stage of development of the oncological process. This is due to the fact that human immunity directly depends on the functioning of the lymphatic system. For this reason, any abnormalities in the functioning of lymph, including the formation of tumors, provokes a pronounced suppression of immunity.
Immunological analysis reveals the presence of B- and T-lymphocytes, which indicate the presence of a tumor. These lymphocytic cells have an abnormal structure.
How do adults need to prepare for a blood test for lymphoma?
Analysis preparation
To obtain the most reliable blood counts, it is important to properly prepare for the collection of material for the study. During the day before blood donation, the use of alcoholic beverages should be excluded. The hour before analysis should not be smoked. In addition, it is necessary to stop taking any medications a day before the study, as some drugs can distort the results of the analysis. If it is impossible to exclude taking medications, you need to inform your doctor about all the drugs. The specialist will decrypt the results based on the information received from the patient.
Blood sampling for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is performed in the morning on an empty stomach. The last meal before blood donation should be at least 12 hours in advance. You can drink only water before analysis. Emotional and physical stress before blood sampling is also not welcome.
How is the diagnosis of lymphoma by blood test, now it’s clear.
Other diagnostic methods
When a blood test indicates the presence of a tumor process in the body, it is necessary to undergo an additional examination to determine the localization of the disease.
Diagnostic measures to detect lymphoma include:
1. X-ray examination. It allows to detect an increase in lymph nodes, as well as compression of adjacent organs and tissues.
2. Computed tomography. The method is based on x-ray radiation, which is combined with computer data processing. The tomogram shows the size and shape of the enlarged lymph nodes and other affected organs.
3. Ultrasound examination. Allows you to determine the density of formation, composition and size of the lymph nodes. In addition, ultrasound makes it possible to examine organs for the presence of metastasized cells.
4. Endoscopic examination. It also assesses the progression of the pathological process and the effect of the tumor on the internal organs.
5. Puncture of bone marrow. It makes it possible to assess the condition of the bone marrow and determine the presence of cancer cells in its fluid.
6. Biopsy. In fact, this is a surgical operation involving the removal of the affected lymph node and its subsequent histological examination. A biopsy is performed not only with the materials of the lymph node, but also with other organs.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis
Cancer prevention does not exist, so early diagnosis of tumor diseases is important. Experts recommend taking blood tests regularly, the presence of tumor markers should be checked at least once a year. If there are cancer patients in the family history, then the frequency of tests per year should be increased.
Although this is not a preventive measure in the full sense of the word, adhering to a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and the absence of bad habits, significantly increases the chances of not encountering cancer. In addition, you need to be careful about your own health and not neglect the annual medical examination, as well as follow the instructions of a specialist when detecting lymphoma according to the results of the examination.
We examined indicators and signs in blood tests for the diagnosis of lymphoma in adults.