If you have symptoms, such as weight loss or an abnormal swelling, you usually start by seeing your GP.  They may arrange for you to have blood tests or scans. Your doctor will refer you to hospital for tests and for specialist advice and treatment.

At the hospital, the doctor will ask about any symptoms, your general health and any illnesses you have had. They will also examine you. If you think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor. Some tests and treatments for lymphoma can be harmful to a baby in the womb. If you are pregnant you usually still have tests and treatment for lymphoma. But it is important to talk to your doctor so they can plan your care safely.

Biopsy for lymphoma

The most important test for diagnosing lymphoma is a biopsy. A doctor or nurse removes  a small piece of tissue or a sample of cells from the affected area.  The most common place to take a biopsy from is an enlarged lymph node. You may have all or part of the lymph node removed.

The tissue is examined under a microscope by a doctor called a pathologist. They look for lymphoma cells and do different tests on the cells. You may have to wait up to 2 weeks for the results of the biopsy.

Further tests for lymphoma

You will have more tests before you start treatment for lymphoma. Some tests help to show the stage of the lymphoma. You may have other tests, such as blood tests or x-rays to check your general health and how well your heart, lungs, liver and kidneys are working.

For example, your doctor will do blood tests to check the levels of different blood cells in your blood. They may also talk to you about having blood tests to check for certain viruses, such as HIV and hepatitis. Information from tests helps your doctors plan your treatment safely and effectively.