Hodgkin's Lymphoma is a form of cancer that starts in the lymphatic system, which is part of our body's immune system. Lymph nodes store white blood cells in clusters, or nodes, in the lymphatic system. Most lymph nodes reside in the neck, underarms and groin. Swollen lymph nodes are a classic symptom of Hodgkin's Lymphoma. They're also a symptom of many other illnesses as well, making Hodgkin's Lymphoma difficult to diagnose. Fortunately, there are other ways to test for it.

Physical exam. During an exam, your physician will check your lymph nodes to see if they are swollen and if there are signs of inflection or skin injury. If your nodes are swollen, but are soft, this generally indicates infection or inflammation. When the nodes are firm and rubbery, it's a sign of lymphoma. Stony, hard nodes are often a sign of cancer that has metastasized (spread) from elsewhere in the body. Your physician may also order a blood test to check your white blood cell count.

Imaging tests. A simple chest X-ray can reveal swollen lymph nodes. A CT scan (Computerized Tomography) or MRI scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), which also takes pictures of your chest, abdomen and pelvis, are more accurate than an X-ray and can show the extent of the cancer and if it has spread.

The PET scan is emerging as an important tool in diagnosing and managing lymphoma. PET (Positron emission tomography) is a scan that uses radioactive glucose, which highlights areas of cancer and can show if an enlarged node is benign or cancerous.

Biopsy. During a biopsy, your physician will remove all or part of your lymph node to check for abnormal cells called Reed-Sternberg cells, which indicate Hodgkin Lymphoma. A biopsy is the only sure way to diagnose Hodgkin's Lymphoma, but like most medical procedures, it does have risks. A similar test called bone marrow aspiration and biopsy removes small amount of bone marrow, blood and bone with a needle.

Biological markers. Biological markers are high levels of substances, such as enzymes, hormones, amino acid compounds or growth factors, that tumors release. They indicate cancer activity level. Biomarkers are found in our blood, tissues and sputum (salvia and the other material you cough up).

When physicians try to distinguish between Hodgkin's Lymphoma and other illnesses, such as the flu, that cause swollen glands, they look for two tell-tale signs: an orderly spread of the disease from one lymph node to the next and little or no skipping of lymph nodes.

Sources

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/hodgkin

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/adulthodgkins/healthprofessional

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hodgkins-disease/DS00186/DSECTION=symptoms

http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_symptoms_of_hodgkins_disease_000083_3.htm

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/705095