Aetiology/ Epidemiology
Commonly affecting teenagers and young adults, this virus is the most common cause of infectious mononucleosis and more commonly associated as a risk factor for Hodgkin's lymphoma.
What is the Epstein-Barr virus?
This common feature in a patient's presentation refers to non-tender swellings in the neck, axilla or inguinal regions, which often feel 'rubbery' to touch.
This vital feature of a GP consultation ensures that patients know when and why to return if their symptoms persist or worsen.
What is safety-netting?
While also deemed a possible risk factor, the acute infection caused by this retrovirus can also present with lymphadenopathy and extranodal involvement, making it a plausible differential alongside non-Hodgkin lymphomas.
What is HIV?
The finding of these cells in a lymph node biopsy sample is pathognomonic for Hodgkin's lymphoma.
What are Reed-Steinberg cells?
This epidemiological feature of Hodgkin's lymphoma describes the age demographics under which patients typically fall.
What is bimodal age distribution?
This triad of presenting complaints refers to systemic changes often linked to lymphomas, commonly known as 'B symptoms'.
What are fevers, night sweats and weight loss?
This NHS referral protocol should be initiated on the suspicion of cancer in primary care, to be seen by a specialist for management.
What is the 2-week wait referral pathway?
Often presenting with cervical lymphadenopathy, this respiratory condition is caused by acid-fast bacilli, which stain pink on a Ziehl-Neelsen stain.
What is tuberculosis?
Preceding the Ann Arbour classification, this 4-stage classification system was developed in 2011 with the intent of more accurately staging lymphomas with PET/CT scans.
What is the Lugano staging classification?
This risk factor for lymphomas describes a state within which the body's defence system is weakened, common in patients with HIV or transplant recipients.
What is immunosuppression?
This particular substance can elicit or exacerbate lymph node-associated pain in patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma.
What is alcohol/alcohol-induced lymph node pain?
With a common theme within the differentials being lymphadenopathy, this blood test panel can help distinguish any infectious causes.
What is viral serology?
Also presenting with widespread lymphadenopathy, fatigue and B symptoms, this is the most common type of leukaemia in adults in Western countries.
What is chronic lymphocytic leukaemia?
Acronym time! This regimen of chemotherapeutic drugs 'slices' through the malignant B-cell tumours and is used in the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
What is R-CHOP (rituximab, clophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone)?
This subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma presents as a rapidly growing, painless mass, typically found in older patients.
What is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma?
What are symptoms of extranodal involvement/extranodal symptoms?
As part of the initial work-up in primary care, an FBC test of the suspected lymphoma patient's blood might show these 2 features.
What are anaemia and lymphocytosis?
This systemic inflammatory disease causes the formation of non-caseating granulomas in various tissues and classically presents with bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy.
What is sarcoidosis?
Another acronym? This regimen of chemotherapeutic drugs is used in the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma.
What is ABVD (adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine)?