Lymphoma Diagnosis
Diagnosis
The wait between “something’s not right” and actually knowing what’s going on is one of the hardest parts. I remember it clearly. Here’s what that process actually looks like, so it’s a little less frightening.
It Starts With Your GP
Almost everyone’s journey to a lymphoma diagnosis starts with a normal GP appointment. Your GP will ask about your symptoms, examine any swollen lymph nodes, and may arrange blood tests. Most people with swollen lymph nodes don’t have lymphoma – but your GP needs to rule it out, or refer you on if something needs a closer look.
Read our guide on talking to your GP →
Blood Tests
Blood tests can’t diagnose lymphoma on their own, but they give your doctor useful information – checking your general health, how your organs are working, and looking for signs of infection or inflammation that might explain your symptoms instead.
Lymph Node Biopsy
This is the only way to confirm a lymphoma diagnosis. A sample of tissue is taken from a swollen lymph node – sometimes the whole node, sometimes a smaller sample – and examined under a microscope by a specialist called a pathologist. This tells your team whether it’s lymphoma, and if so, exactly which type – whether that’s Hodgkin lymphoma or one of the many types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Getting the exact subtype right matters, because treatment differs between them.
Biopsies are usually done under local anaesthetic as a day procedure, though sometimes a general anaesthetic is needed depending on where the node is.
Scans
If lymphoma is confirmed, you’ll usually have one or more scans to see how much of your body is affected. This is called staging.
- CT scan – detailed cross-sectional images of your body, commonly used to check the chest, abdomen and pelvis
- PET-CT scan – combines a CT scan with a tracer that highlights active lymphoma cells, giving a fuller picture of where the disease is
- MRI scan – sometimes used, particularly if there’s a need to look closely at the brain or spinal cord
Bone Marrow Biopsy
Some people also have a bone marrow biopsy, usually taken from the hip bone under local anaesthetic, to check whether lymphoma has reached the bone marrow. Not everyone needs one – it depends on your type and stage.
Waiting for Results
This is often the hardest part. Waiting can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the tests involved. It’s completely normal to feel anxious, distracted, or unable to think about anything else. You’re allowed to ask your GP or hospital team for a rough timeframe, and to chase up if it’s taking longer than expected.
What Happens After Diagnosis
If you are diagnosed with lymphoma, you’ll be referred to a haematologist – a specialist in blood cancers – who will explain your specific type and stage, and talk you through treatment options. You’ll usually have a specialist nurse as a point of contact too. It’s okay to ask them to repeat things, write things down, or bring someone with you to appointments.
Common Questions
How long does it take to get a lymphoma diagnosis?
It varies a lot – from a couple of weeks to longer, depending on which tests are needed and how quickly they can be arranged.
Is a lymph node biopsy painful?
Most people have it under local anaesthetic and describe discomfort rather than significant pain. You’ll be given pain relief advice for afterwards.
Can blood tests alone diagnose lymphoma?
No. Blood tests provide useful information, but only a biopsy can confirm a lymphoma diagnosis.
How long can you have lymphoma without knowing?
It varies a lot. Some fast-growing lymphomas cause noticeable symptoms within weeks. Slower-growing types can develop quietly over months or even years before they’re picked up – sometimes found incidentally during a scan or blood test for something else. There’s no way to know how long you’ve had it just from your symptoms, which is part of why persistent or unusual symptoms are always worth getting checked.
Check the Symptoms How Lymphoma is Treated Read Their Stories
Written and reviewed by Charlotte Cox, founder of Lymphoma Out Loud and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivor. Last reviewed August 2026. Sources: Lymphoma Action, Cancer Research UK.
