Hodgkin's Lymphoma Staging

Staging. Once Hodgkin’s lymphoma is diagnosed, it is essential to properly stage the disease so that the most effective treatment plan can be established. Staging of Hodgkin’s lymphoma most often includes such imaging techniques as MRI, CT scan or Pet scan, or a bone marrow biopsy (tissue sample). In some cases surgical exploration of the abdominal cavity for tumors may be performed, however, in most cases it is not necessary, due to more progressive imaging technologies such as the PET scan.
The following tests and procedures may be used in the staging process:

Chest X-Ray. An x-ray is a type of energy beam that can go through the body and onto film, making a picture of areas inside the body. A chest x-ray is one that is taken of the organs of the chest cavity.

CT Scan (CAT Scan). Also known as a computed tomography scan, this computer linked x-ray machine takes a series of detailed pictures from many different angles, offering thorough images of the affected tissue. For adult Hodgkin’s lymphoma, CT scans of the chest, abdomen and pelvis are taken.

PET Scan. A procedure to find cancerous cells in the body. A small amount of radionuclide glucose (sugar) is injected into a vein. All cells in the body use glucose to produce energy, but cancer cells use nineteen times more glucose than healthy cells. The PET scanner detects this excess energy and an image is created. This image is then combined with the CT scan image to produce a very detailed, anatomic picture.

Bone Marrow Biopsy. During a bone marrow biopsy, a small piece of bone and bone marrow (soft tissue found inside bones) is removed and examined under a microscope for signs of cancer. The sample is taken through a small needle inserted into the hipbone or breastbone.

Adult Hodgkin’s lymphoma may be classified as follows:

A. The patient has no symptoms
B. The patient has some symptoms
E. The cancer is in an area or organ other than the lymph nodes or has spread to tissues beyond,
but near, the major lymphatic areas.
S. The cancer is in the spleen.

To schedule a consult with our team of oncologists, simply ask your primary care physician for a referral or make a self-referral by calling 1-877-LACKS-MI or 616-685-LACK(S).