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Lymphoma Screening

Although there is currently no procedure or blood test for lymphoma, our team of lymphoma-focused specialists at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University can identify those at higher risk of developing the disease.

Detecting Lymphoma

Unlike other cancers, there is no standardized screening protocol for lymphoma. For example, screening for breast cancer might include a genetic test; likewise, a colonoscopy can be used to look for colorectal cancer. But Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are trickier to screen for.

As the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Georgia, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University is pioneering the research in lymphoma prevention, screening and treatment. Our nationally renowned investigators and blood-cancer specialists lead dozens of clinical trials and groundbreaking studies — including the national Lymphoma Epidemiology of Outcomes (LEO) study — to help improve patients’ lives by finding the disease in its early stages.

How to Catch Lymphoma Early

Even though there are no widely recommended screening tests for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), it is still possible to identify the disease early.

  • Complete blood count (CBC). This is a blood test that can reveal the presence of lymphoma. It includes a panel of tests that evaluates white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets, and is used to rule out non-lymphoma conditions — such as leukemia — or to see if anemia is present. CBC results can also determine if the platelet count or white blood cell counts are low, which may indicate lymphoma is in the bone marrow or blood.
  • Know the risk factors. HL and NHL can affect people of all ages, but there are certain factors that put you at higher risk for lymphoma, including viral infections, autoimmune diseases, a weakened immune system and a family history of lymphoma.
  • Watch for signs. One of the most common symptoms of lymphoma is the enlargement of lymph nodes. This causes a lump — usually not painful — under the skin, most often located on the side of the neck, in the armpit or in the groin.
  • Talk to your primary care physician. Let your doctor know if you’re at high risk. Sometimes the signs of lymphoma can mimic other illnesses or infections, but if your doctor is aware of your personal medical history, they can test for lymphoma as a possible cause of any symptoms you’re experiencing.

The Future of Lymphoma Screening

Winship is collaborating with seven other premier cancer centers throughout the country on the Lymphoma Epidemiology of Outcomes (LEO) study. The groundbreaking program is studying 12,000 participants to examine ways to screen for, and prevent, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma by looking at biological markers that may be associated with the disease.