hematology and oncology
Hodgkin Lymphoma
Diagnosis of Hodgkin Lymphoma
Lymph node biopsy FDG-PET/CT of chest, abdomen, and pelvis for staging MRI if neurologic symptoms are present Hodgkin lymphoma is usually suspected in patients with painless lymphadenopathy or mediastinal adenopathy detected on physical examination or routine chest x-ray ( Diagnosis reference ). Similar lymphadenopathy can result from viral infections such as Chest x-ray or physical examination abnormalities should be confirmed with CT or positron emission tomography (PET) scan of the chest in order to choose the most efficient biopsy procedure. If only mediastinal nodes are enlarged, mediastinoscopy, video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS), or a Chamberlain procedure (a limited left anterior thoracostomy allowing biopsy of mediastinal lymph nodes inaccessible by cervical mediastinoscopy) may be indicated. CT-guided core needle biopsy may also be considered; fine-needle aspiration is often inadequate for the diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma. Biopsy reveals Reed-Sternberg cells (large, binucleated cells) in a characteristically heterogeneous cellular infiltrate, consisting of histiocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, plasma cells, and eosinophils. Classic Hodgkin lymphoma has 4 histopathologic subtypes (see table Histopathologic Subtypes of Hodgkin Lymphoma (WHO Classification) ); there is also a nodular lymphocyte-predominant type that represents only about 5% of all Hodgkin lymphoma cases. Certain antigens on Reed-Sternberg cells may help differentiate Hodgkin lymphoma from Complete blood count (CBC) with differential, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and kidney function and liver tests are generally done. Test results may be abnormal but are nondiagnostic. CBC may show slight polymorphonuclear leukocytosis. Lymphocytopenia may occur early and is an adverse prognostic factor. Eosinophilia is present in about 20% of patients, and thrombocytosis may be present. Anemia, often microcytic, usually develops with advanced disease. In advanced anemia, defective iron reutilization is characterized by low serum iron, low iron-binding capacity, an elevated serum ferritin, and increased bone marrow iron. Pancytopenia is occasionally caused by bone marrow invasion, more commonly in the lymphocyte-depleted subtype. Elevated serum alkaline phosphatase levels may be present, but elevations do not always indicate bone marrow or liver involvement. Increases in leukocyte alkaline phosphatase, serum haptoglobin, and other acute-phase reactants usually reflect the presence of inflammatory cytokines from active Hodgkin lymphoma. These tests are sometimes done to evaluate non-specific symptoms and can suggest Hodgkin lymphoma; they are not done on all lymphoma patients. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), an indirect marker of inflammation, is more commonly ordered and predicts a less favorable outcome. Hypersplenism may occur in patients with marked splenomegaly. A combined fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET/CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis is the imaging study of choice for staging Hodgkin lymphoma (see Staging ). Bone lesions are detected more commonly with the use of FDG-PET imaging. If combined FDG-PET/CT is not available, a contrast-enhanced CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis is done. Other tests are done depending on findings (eg, MRI for symptoms of cord compression). A bone marrow biopsy is usually only done if a PET/CT scan is not obtained and if the findings might alter management. Other recommended tests include cardiac ejection fraction if the use of anthracyclines is anticipated and pulmonary function tests ifbleomycinis being considered. After diagnosis, stage is determined to guide therapy. The commonly used Lugano staging system (see table Lugano Staging of Hodgkin Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma ) incorporates Symptoms Physical examination findings Results of imaging tests, including CT of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, and functional imaging with FDG-PET Sometimes Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy None Laparotomy is not required for staging. 1.Cheson BD, Fisher RI, Barrington SF, et al: Recommendations for initial evaluation, staging, and response assessment of Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma: The Lugano classification.J Clin Oncol32(27):3059-3068, 2014. 