Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Summary
...r stage. An initial biopsy of the lymph node is used to detect the presence of Hodgkin’s disease. Several different approaches can be taken to determine where the malignancy exists within the body. Chest x-rays allow for the enlarged lymph nodes in the chest to be seen. Computed tomography (CT) is an x-ray procedure that provides more detailed cross-sectional images than the traditional x-ray. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used if the cancer is suspected to be in the brain or spinal cord. A gallium scan involves the ingestion of gallium-67 that can be detected by a specialized scanner that records the radioactive emission on film. Positron emission tomography (PET) scans involve the same procedure as the gallium scan, only it allows for scar tissue to be distinguished from tumor tissue. Hodgkin’s disease can also be detected by blood tests by looking for white blood cells in unusual abundance or anemia. There are four stages of Hodgkin’s disease. Stage I is classified as having Hodgkin’s disease found in one lymph area. Stage II involves Hodgkin’s disease being found in two or more lymph areas on the same side of the diaphragm ...