If you have swollen lymph nodes or another symptom that may suggest Hodgkin’s disease, your doctor will likely ask about your personal and family medical history.
Tests and exams that may be performed include:
- Physical exam: Your doctor will check for swollen lymph nodes in your neck, underarms and groin, as well as to determine if your spleen or liver is swollen.
- Blood tests: The lab does a complete blood count (CBC) to check the number of white blood cells, other cells and substances.
- Chest X-rays: X-ray pictures may indicate swollen lymph nodes or other signs of disease in your chest.
- Biopsy: A biopsy is the only certain way to diagnose Hodgkin’s disease. Your doctor may remove an entire lymph node (excisional biopsy) or only part of a lymph node (incisional biopsy). A thin needle (fine needle aspiration) usually cannot remove a sample that is large enough for the pathologist to diagnose Hodgkin’s disease. Removing an entire lymph node is generally the preferred procedure.
Learn More About Hodgkin's Disease
Hodgkin's Disease Prevention and Risk Factors
Hodgkin's Disease Treatments
Learn More About Common Types of Cancer
To learn more about different types of cancer, please review the links below. For additional Saint Francis Cancer Center information or to schedule a consultation with a cancer specialist, please call the Saint Francis HealthLink at 918-488-6688.
Breast Cancer
Colon Cancer
Head and Neck Cancers
Hodgkin's Disease
Leukemia
Lung Cancer
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Prostate Cancer
Skin Cancer
Pediatric Cancers