Does Lymphoma Show Up in Blood Work Tests?

A blood test is one of the most important tests in determining several medical diagnoses. With all the technological advancements and research studies conducted over the years, blood tests provide invaluable information about a patient’s health.

In the case of follicular lymphoma diagnosis, a type of blood cancer affecting the lymphatic system, blood tests might help in early detection, but for now are more important in following the disease and effects of treatments.

Can blood work tests alone really reveal lymphoma? Not yet, but likely soon based on current research. Let’s look at what blood tests can do.

Understanding Lymphoma

Understanding lymphoma, including its complexities and its symptoms, is important in early detection and effective management of follicular lymphoma. By understanding the complexities of this condition, individuals can take measures to protect themselves and support those affected by lymphoma.

Let’s dive deep into what lymphoma is, its symptoms, and the role of blood work in detecting and managing it.

What is Lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, which includes the lymph nodes, the spleen, thymus, gland, and bone marrow. It usually begins when white blood cells, also known as lymphocytes, grow uncontrollably.

There are two main types of lymphoma:

Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL). This type of lymphoma is characterized by the presence of abnormal cells called Reed-Sternberg cells. These cells are abnormal, large cells that are found in the lymph nodes of people with Hodgkin Lymphoma. These cells have a distinct appearance under a microscope and are often described as “owl’s eyes” due to its large and prominent nuclei.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL). All other lymphomas are included as non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, overall these are more common, and NHL includes many different subtypes. These are broadly grouped into slow-growing (indolent) or fast growing (aggressive). Follicular lymphoma is usually indolent. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can start in lymph nodes, but it may also begin in other lymphatic tissues like the spleen or tonsils.

By understanding the main types of lymphoma, you can understand more about the specific condition, allowing you to make more informed decisions.

Symptoms of Lymphoma

Despite some key differences between Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, their symptoms often mimic each other.

Here are some of the most common, although non-specific, symptoms of lymphoma:

Swollen lymph nodes. Often painless, these swellings can appear in the neck, armpit, or groin.
Sudden fever. A persistent and unexpected fever might be a sign of lymphoma.
Night sweats. Waking up drenched in your own sweat at night is not uncommon in lymphoma patients.
Unexpected weight loss. Unexplained weight loss can be an early indicator.
Fatigue. Are you feeling more tired than usual, enough to change your activity level? That even after resting, you still feel exhausted? This can be a symptom associated with lymphoma.
Uncontrollable itching. Some people experience severe itching, which can be on a specific body part or a full-body itch, more typical of Hodgkin lymphoma.
Breathing issues. Difficulty breathing or chest pain can occur if lymph nodes in the chest are affected.

Are you noticing any of these symptoms without another explanation? If they persist, it’s important to see a healthcare professional for consultation. Remember, early detection can make a significant difference in the effectiveness and management of the treatment.

Does Lymphoma Show Up in Blood Work Tests?

Blood testing is one of the most important tests in determining a medical diagnosis. This simple test can save your life.
Although blood tests may reveal some significant indications of lymphoma, they cannot provide a definitive diagnosis, as diagnosis requires further testing like imaging tests and a biopsy to determine whether lymphoma is present and determine the type. Nonetheless, the importance of these tests are undeniable. Let’s take a look at the different types of blood tests for lymphoma.

Types of Blood Tests for Lymphoma

Here are some of the most common tests used for lymphoma diagnosis, monitoring and treatment:

Complete Blood Count (CBC). This test measures the levels of different cells in your blood, including white blood cells (fight infection), red blood cells (carry oxygen), and platelets (help blood to clot). Abnormal levels, especially in the white blood cells, can indicate issues that might be related to lymphoma.
Blood Chemistry Tests. These tests measure the levels of different chemicals in your blood. Changes in these levels can indicate how well your organs, primarily the liver and kidneys, are functioning and can sometimes show signs that may indicate lymphoma.
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Test. High levels of LDH can be a sign of tissue damage or breakdown of white or red blood cells, which may be related to lymphoma.
Immunoglobulin Levels. Immunoglobulins are the antibodies your body makes to help fight infections. They are made by B lymphocytes, and most lymphomas (and all follicular lymphomas) are derived from a B lymphocyte. So, lymphoma patients can have low levels of normal immunoglobulins either due to the disease or its treatment. These antibodies may be checked periodically and can be replaced if necessary.

Even though blood tests alone cannot yet determine a lymphoma diagnosis, these tests are important in lymphoma diagnosis and treatment.

Role of Blood Work in Diagnosing and Monitoring Lymphoma

Despite its simplicity, blood work is one of the most important medical tests as it reveals a lot about a patient’s condition.
While it may not give us a direct diagnosis, it still gives us important information. Let’s take a closer look at how different blood tests play a role in lymphoma diagnosis.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) or Full Blood Count (FBC) is one of the most common blood tests ordered by doctors. This simple blood test measures the levels of various cells in the body including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelet counts.

Each of these blood cells has its own purpose to serve in our body. The red blood cells (RBCs) carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. The white blood cells (WBCs) help fight against infection and are part of our immune system. Lastly, platelets help your blood to clot.

Complete blood count or CBC can reveal several abnormalities in people with lymphoma including:

Lower red blood cell count can be a sign of anaemia, which can easily make you feel weak and tired.
Abnormalities in a person’s white blood cell count, too high or too low, can be a sign of lymphoma.
Low platelet count can lead to easy bruising and bleeding.

These abnormalities don’t confirm lymphoma but they do suggest that further testing is needed.

If you do have follicular lymphoma and are under observation (watch & wait), worsening of one or more of these CBC results might indicate the need to start treatment.

Blood Chemistry Tests: Liver and kidney function tests becoming abnormal may also lead your doctor to discuss the need to start treatment for follicular lymphoma. These tests are also followed during treatment to make sure the treatments are not causing any problems.

Markers and Indicators in Blood Tests

Physicians and laboratory technicians often look for specific markers and indicators in blood tests results that might suggest lymphoma.

These markers can include the following:

High levels of Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) can indicate tissue damage. Rapidly growing cancer cells can cause an increase in the enzyme levels.
Elevated levels of Beta-2 Microglobulin are often found in people with lymphoma. This protein can be a marker of disease activity.
A high Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate or ESR can indicate inflammation, which is a common symptom of lymphoma.
When a person’s C-Reactive Protein or CRP is elevated, this can be another marker of inflammation that may be a result of lymphoma.

Although these do not guarantee a conclusive diagnosis, these markers help doctors assess the possibility of lymphoma and determine the next steps in diagnosis. If they are elevated in the setting of lymphoma, they may be followed as an indicator of whether a treatment is being effective

Conclusion

The importance of blood tests in determining several medical conditions is undeniable.

Due to the relative simplicity of drawing blood, blood tests act as an invaluable tool in the potential lymphoma diagnosis, and monitoring the disease and its treatment, by providing important information on blood cell counts and chemical levels in our body. This information can reveal a lot about a person’s overall health.

If you are experiencing any symptoms or have any concerns about your health, don’t hesitate to go to a doctor for consultation. They can guide you through the necessary steps and tests to determine your medical condition.

We do hope to have more specific diagnostic blood tests in the future, and we are supporting some efforts to devise such tests.
Early diagnosis is important.

Support from the Follicular Lymphoma Foundation

At the Follicular Lymphoma Foundation, we’re dedicated to driving progress in research and treatment for follicular lymphoma patients worldwide.

There are many ways to join and support the FLF. You can donate, participate in fundraising efforts, or engage with our community, each action, no matter how small, has a meaningful impact. Together, we’re stronger, and your involvement brings hope and inspiration to those affected by follicular lymphoma.

Join our mission in finding a cure for follicular lymphoma today.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalised guidance and treatment options.