Lymphoma symptoms and diagnosis

The main symptom of a lymphoma are enlarged lymph nodes, most often in the neck and armpits. This lymph node swelling can then cause pain, edema, or even respiratory discomfort. Extreme fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, or unexplained fever can also be observed. More rarely, there is an infectious complication or bleeding, and sometimes a systematic blood test results in the accidental diagnosis of cancer.. 

The definitive diagnosis is established with the biopsy of a node, which has previously been detected by medical imaging, for example a CT scan or a PET scanner, the latter examination being able to provide information on cell activity. Once the diagnosis has been established, it is important to define the extent of the lymphoma and to carry out the pre-treatment assessment. This involves several tests, such as a bone biopsy, a medical procedure performed under local anesthesia, a lumbar puncture, or a comprehensive blood test. 

Other tests may be required depending on the symptoms presented. Thus, in the specific case of a brain or eye lymphoma, the assessment is completed by a brain MRI, a thorough ophthalmological examination and a lumbar puncture. 

In the particular case of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, the discovery may be accidental, following a blood test requested by the general practitioner - for example, as part of a general assessment. 

More rarely, it can be suspected following the appearance of small lymph nodes. The predominantly lymph node-like form is called lymphocytic lymphoma. In rare cases, CLL can also manifest itself through infections that recur several times a year. 

To corroborate the diagnosis, a hemogram (or blood count), associated with a blood smear and an immunophenotyping of the lymphocytes performed in a specialized laboratory, are requested along with precise criteria to confirm the pathology.