How is lymphoma confirmed? Learn about biopsy types, PET-CT staging, and advanced molecular evaluation at Liv Hospital’s international hematology center.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
An accurate lymphoma diagnosis is the most critical factor in determining a patient’s treatment success. Because lymphoma encompasses more than 70 distinct subtypes, a “general” diagnosis is never enough. At Liv Hospital, we utilize a “deep-dive” diagnostic protocol that combines traditional pathology with advanced genetic profiling.
For our international patients, we offer an accelerated diagnostic window. We understand that traveling from the US for care requires efficiency; therefore, our “Smart Hospital” infrastructure allows us to complete a comprehensive evaluation—including biopsy results and staging—often within 5 to 7 business days. This speed ensures that treatment begins precisely when it is most effective.
The diagnostic journey typically begins with a physical examination and a review of the patient’s “B-symptoms.” However, blood tests alone cannot confirm a lymphoma diagnosis. While a Complete Blood Count (CBC) may show abnormalities in white blood cell levels, the definitive proof must come from the tissue itself.
At Liv Hospital, the primary diagnostic tool is the Lymph Node Biopsy. Our surgeons and interventional radiologists prefer “Excisional Biopsy” (removing the entire lymph node) whenever possible. This provides our pathologists with the full architecture of the tissue, which is essential for distinguishing between Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin subtypes.
Once a tissue sample is collected, it is sent to Liv Hospital’s specialized hematopathology lab. Here, we use Immunohistochemistry (IHC) to “stain” the cells. This process identifies specific proteins (antigens) on the surface of the cancer cells.
For example, the presence of CD20 or CD30 markers helps us categorize the lymphoma with surgical precision. Additionally, we utilize Flow Cytometry, a laser-based technology that analyzes thousands of cells per second to detect the specific “signature” of the malignancy.
This level of detail is what allows Liv Hospital to move beyond standard care and into the realm of precision medicine.
After a diagnosis is confirmed, the next step is Staging determining exactly where the cancer is located in the body. At Liv Hospital, the “Gold Standard” for staging is the PET-CT Scan.
Unlike a standard CT scan, which only shows the size and shape of lymph nodes, a PET-CT uses a small amount of radioactive glucose to show the “metabolic activity” of the cells.
Because lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system, it can often involve the bone marrow the “factory” where blood cells are produced. To determine if the disease has reached this stage, our specialists perform a Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy. This test can clarify whether lymphoma has infiltrated marrow spaces, which may affect both staging and treatment selection.
During this procedure, a small sample of liquid marrow and a tiny piece of bone are taken from the hip bone. This is performed under local anesthesia, and at Liv Hospital, we offer conscious sedation for our international patients to ensure maximum comfort. The procedure is typically brief, and patients usually return to normal activities soon after, with minimal aftercare.
If the marrow is involved, it changes the “stage” of the lymphoma and may indicate the need for more intensive therapies, such as a stem cell transplant. It can also explain certain blood test abnormalities such as low blood counts by confirming whether the bone marrow environment is being crowded by malignant cells. In some lymphoma subtypes, marrow results also contribute to risk scoring and therapy planning.
What sets Liv Hospital apart is our focus on Cytogenetics. We use a technique called FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization) to look for specific chromosomal “swaps” or mutations within the lymphoma cells.
These genetic markers tell us:
This molecular evaluation is part of our commitment to “Smart Care,” ensuring that every US patient receives a treatment plan that is as unique as their DNA.
At Liv Hospital, the diagnostic process culminates in a comprehensive review by our Multidisciplinary Tumor Board. We believe that no single specialist should decide the fate of a complex lymphoma case. Once the biopsy, imaging, and molecular results are ready, our team of hematologists, oncologists, pathologists, and radiologists meet to discuss the findings collectively.
This collaborative approach ensures that the “staging” and “classification” are cross-verified by multiple experts. For international patients, this board review acts as a safety net, ensuring the diagnosis aligns with international NCCN and ESMO guidelines. This holistic evaluation is the final safeguard that confirms you are receiving a treatment strategy based on the collective wisdom of Turkey’s leading hematology experts. It is this transition from raw diagnostic data to a validated clinical roadmap that defines the Liv Hospital experience.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
While a Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) can suggest cancer, it often doesn’t provide enough tissue to determine the exact subtype. At Liv Hospital, we usually recommend a core needle biopsy or an excisional biopsy for 100% accuracy.
Lymphoma is typically staged from I to IV. Stage I means it is in one lymph node region; Stage IV means it has spread to organs outside the lymphatic system, such as the liver or bone marrow.
Preliminary results are often available in 48 hours. However, the full molecular and genetic report typically takes 5 to 7 days due to the complexity of the staining and testing required.
The scan itself is painless. You will receive an injection of a tracer, then rest for about an hour before lying on a table that slides into the scanner. It is a non-invasive way to see inside the body.
Absolutely. Many international patients send their existing pathology slides to Liv Hospital for a secondary review by our expert hematopathologists before traveling to Turkey.
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