Lymphoma is essentially a cancer that begins in the lymphocytes of the immune system and spawns a solid tumor of lymphoid cells.
Given the fact that these lymphatic cells play a prominent role in the body's immune system, the condition could have serious consequences. When affected by cancer, the lymphatic system undergoes a major transformation, seeing the normal lymphatic cells grow and multiply uncontrollably. As a result of their excessive and rapid growth, it is not uncommon for the cancer to spread to neighboring tissues and organs and given the fact that the lymphatic system covers the entire body, you may also see the condition crop up in very distant locations of your system. There are a number of various types of lymphomas, the two most common ones happen to be Hodgkin's lymphoma and non - Hodgkin's lymphoma with the latter being the more prevalent of the two. The condition is rampant across the country and is the fourth most common type of cancer. Recent surveys show that there are about 54000 new cases of non Hodgkin's lymphoma and about 7000 new cases of Hodgkin's lymphoma registered on a yearly basis. In most cases, the condition will start to develop around the time the individual reaches his or her late twenties up to the age of about fifty five.
Just like with any other type of blood test, the blood tests for lymphoma require a sample of blood to be drawn from the patient. Before the blood is extracted, however, the area around the targeted vein is cleansed with an alcohol pad and a strap may be fastened around the arm to restrict blood flow and allow the blood to pool around the elbow. A needle is then inserted into the vein behind the elbow and the blood collected in a syringe. Once collected, the sample is sent to the laboratory for testing and a detailed report is then sent back to your presiding physician to allow him to make an informed opinion and judgment.
Lymphoma blood tests are essentially about identifying the blood chemicals or enzymes (known as lactate dehydrogenase) as, at higher levels are indicative of a more aggressive form of the condition. The fact that lymphoma is only usually detected when it has reached a serious phase, makes it a significantly hard condition to treat effectively.