How is Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Diagnosed?
Medical tests are needed to diagnose and determine the stage of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Common tests include:
- Physical exam—to check for swollen lymph nodes or other signs of disease
- Blood tests—for example, tests to count your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets (a type of blood cell that helps prevent or stop bleeding if you are injured)
- Biopsy—suspicious lymph node or tissue is removed and viewed under a microscope to see if it is NHL
- Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, or PET scans—these are pictures that help show where tumors are located
- Flow cytometry—to find out how many of your cancerous B-cells have a certain surface marker and confirms the type of NHL. The cells are stained with a dye and placed in a fluid. Then, they are passed in a stream before a laser or other type of light. The test measures how the dyed cells react to the light
Using the information from these tests, the oncologist can help you or your loved one decide on how best to proceed.
This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor. Discuss with your doctor any questions you have about your medical condition or your treatment.
INDICATIONS and IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
RITUXAN® is indicated for the treatment of patients with:
- Relapsed or refractory, low-grade or follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL as a single agent
- Previously untreated follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL in combination with CVP chemotherapy
- Non-progressing (including stable disease), low-grade, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL, as a single agent, after first-line CVP chemotherapy
- Previously untreated diffuse large B-cell, CD20-positive NHL in combination with CHOP or other anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimens
Important Safety Information
RITUXAN® can cause serious side effects, some of which can be life-threatening, including: progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), infusion reactions, tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), and severe skin reactions. Other serious and life-threatening side effects with RITUXAN include: hepatitis B virus reactivation, heart problems, infections, and stomach and bowel problems. Common side effects during RITUXAN infusions include: fever, headache, chills and shakes, nausea, itching, hives, cough, sneezing, and throat irritation or tightness.
Tell your doctor about any side effects that bother you or that do not go away. These are not all of the possible side effects with RITUXAN. Ask your doctor for more information.
Please read the Medication Guide in HTML or PDF versions and the full prescribing information for more information.
