Diagnosing Cutaneous Lymphoma
How is cutaneous lymphoma identified?
In addition to a medical history and physical examination, a doctor may order a biopsy of a skin tumor or lymph node to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is a procedure in which tissue samples are removed (with a needle or during surgery) from the body for examination under a microscope to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present. The bone marrow and blood may also be sampled to look for lymphoma cells to help determine the stage if the disease.
Additional imaging testing with PET and/or CT scanning may be required to evaluate internal involvement. Molecular diagnostic techniques are frequently employed by our pathology services to assist in the diagnosis of cutaneous lymphoma.