How is Hodgkin's lymphoma typically diagnosed?

Hodgkin's lymphoma is typically diagnosed through an excisional lymph node biopsy. This procedure involves surgically removing an entire lymph node or a portion of it for examination under a microscope. The histopathological analysis of the lymph node tissue is critical to confirm the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, which are characteristic of Hodgkin's lymphoma. This definitive diagnosis is essential not only for identifying Hodgkin's lymphoma but also for differentiating it from other types of lymphoma and similar conditions.

While blood tests, chest X-rays, and CT scans can provide useful information and may be part of the overall diagnostic process, they are not definitive for diagnosing Hodgkin's lymphoma. Blood tests may indicate the presence of certain markers or alterations such as anemia but do not confirm the disease. A chest X-ray can reveal enlarged lymph nodes in the chest area and may prompt further investigation, but it does not provide a diagnosis. Similarly, a CT scan of the abdomen can help in staging the disease and assessing the extent of lymph node involvement but cannot confirm the diagnosis without a biopsy.