A bone marrow aspiration and biopsy involves removing a small sample of your bone marrow for lab testing to see if cancer is present. A lymph node biopsy is the only way to confirm a non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis. During a lymph node biopsy, a small amount of tissue is extracted from a lymph node for lab testing. If lymphoma or another health problem is expected, they will order additional tests such as: Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, examine your medical history, and perform a physical exam. How will a doctor diagnose non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma?Ī diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma usually starts with a visit to your primary doctor. General symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphomaĪ buildup of atypical lymphocytes can crowd out healthy blood cells and lead to many general symptoms such as: a lump or swelling in your mouth, cheek, neck, or jaw.Lymphomas make up about 1.7 to 3.1 percent of all salivary gland cancers, which can cause symptoms such as: a sensation of a foreign object in your mouth.Very rarely, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can develop at the base of your tongue and cause symptoms such as: Symptoms include ulcers, pain, and swelling. Oral lymphomas are most common in people with an HIV infection. Lymphoma can also develop inside your mouth. Other symptoms of lymphoma around your throat and nose include: If the cancer affects your tonsils, you may experience: This ring consists of your tonsils and other lymph tissue lining your throat. About 10 to 35 percent of people have extranodal lymphoma at the time of diagnosis.Ībout half of extranodal lymphomas of the head and neck occur in an area called Waldeyer’s ring. If the lymphoma has spread beyond lymph nodes, it’s known as extranodal lymphoma. If lymphoma develops in your central nervous system, it can cause symptoms such as: Symptoms can vary depending on the type of lymphoma you have and where it forms. More than 60 types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma have been identified. Your neck contains about 300 out of 800 of your body’s lymph nodes.

The most common locations for them to develop are the side of your neck, armpit, and groin. Some people describe these lumps as having a soft or rubbery feel. Swollen lymph nodes generally aren’t painful, and they cause a lump that moves when touched. One of the most common early symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a swollen lymph node caused by a buildup of atypical lymphocytes. What are the early symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma?

Lymph nodes in back of neck location