How is the subtype of lymphoma determined? What tests are performed to determine this?

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MichaelGrossbardMD (Physician - Oncology - Hematology/Oncology (Verified) ) - 07 / 05 / 2012

There are many different subtypes of lymphoma and these subtypes have different ways in which they manifest themselves in patients. One major way to distinguish lymphomas is to assess whether they are of T-cell or B-cell origin (T and B representing different types of lymphocytes in the body). These subtypes can be distinguished by staining lymphoma cells to determine whether they have T-cell or B-cell antigens on their surface. Another way to distinguish lymphomas is to examine tumor cells under the microscope and assess their size and shape. For example, some aggressive lymphomas have very large malignant cells (and are known as large cell lymphomas). A third way to evaluate lymphoma subtypes is to assess genetic changes within the tumor cell by using molecular biologic techniques or examining the chromosomes directly (cytogenetic analysis).

By determining the subtype of lymphoma, specific therapy programs can be offered that will optimize the chance for a favorable response. The standard therapy for a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is different from that of a Burkitt’s lymphoma or a follicular lymphoma. Likewise, these different entities have different prognoses.
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