Imaging tests in Hodgkin's disease...
Imaging tests reveal the extent of disease in the body. These imaging studies are important both for initial staging and to assess the effect of treatment:
Chest and abdominal x-ray. The presence of enlarged lymph nodes in the chest is sometimes observed on an x-ray film.
CT scan. A series of detailed pictures provides a three-dimensional computerized view of the body. The relationship between structures is better observed by CT scan than in x-ray studies. Contrast dye may be injected to enhance certain features of organs and soft tissue.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). A powerful magnet is used to take a series of very detailed pictures of the inside of the body. MRI images illustrate organs and other soft tissues better than other imaging methods.
PET (positron emission tomography) scan. PET scan uses radioactively-labeled glucose molecules to measure the metabolic activity of tissues in the body and are especially useful in cases in which the CT scan results are equivocal. Cancer tissues and tumors have higher metabolic activity than normal tissues.
Bone scan. Occasionally, a bone scan is used to detect lymphoma involvement of the bones if a patient is symptomatic (i.e., with bone pain or back pain).
More on Hodgkin's Disease X-ray Test
Computed Tomography Test
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
In the Encyclopedia:
Hodgkin's disease
Mediastinoscopy
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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