Biopsy
For Hodgkin's disease, a biopsy is needed to make a diagnosis. A surgeon removes a sample of lymphatic tissue (part or all of a lymph node) for the following studies:
The microscope examination. A pathologist examines the lymph node for structural patterns specific to Hodgkin's lymphoma, as well as the non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. The pathologist will also look for Reed-Sternberg cells, which are found in most cases of Hodgkin's disease.
Immunophenotyping. This is a method for identifying the proteins on the lymphoma cell surface to see if they are B, T or NK lymphocyte types. This is especially important to confirm the microscope observations and to help differentiate between a reactive (non-cancer) process versus cancer, or between Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Cytogenetics. Cytogenetic methods are used to see if chromosomal abnormalities are present. Chromosomal abnormalities are used to identify the type of lymphoma and help to determine the choice of treatment, especially for the non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.
The diagnosis of Hodgkin's can be difficult. You may want to get a second opinion about your diagnosis. Your doctor should not mind and many insurance companies pay for it.
In the Encyclopedia:
Hodgkin's disease
Mediastinoscopy
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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