PET SCAN A positron emission tomography (PET) scan creates images of the body that show the size and shape of organs and tumors. PET scans are like CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, except they also can show chemical and functional changes within the body. A PET scan has three steps: injection of a radioactive mate- rial; a waiting period, usually 30–60 minutes; and scanning by the PET machine. During the waiting period and the scanning, your child must be able to lie completely still. The scanning process is painless; however, some children may require sedation to help them lie still. Like the CT scan, a PET scan should be obtained at diagnosis and is used to evaluate your child’s response as treatment progresses. BONE MARROW BIOPSY AND ASPIRATION Some children may need a bone marrow biopsy and aspiration, which is a procedure that involves collecting a sample of bone marrow. Bone marrow is found in the hollow part of the bone and is where white blood cells (infection fighters), red blood cells (oxygen carriers), and platelets (cells that help blood clot properly) are made. Once the bone marrow sample is collected, it is examined under a microscope by a pathologist to see whether Hodgkin lymphoma is present. Children usually require sedation or anesthesia during this procedure because it is performed with a biopsy needle.
Other Tests and Procedures that May Be Performed
MRI An MRI is a scan that produces very exact pictures of organs and tumors inside the body. During an MRI scan, your child will lie on a table that is moved into a tube-like machine that surrounds him or her with a magnetic field. The scan is painless; however, the machine makes a loud banging noise that may frighten some children. Your child must be able to lie completely still during the scan. If your child is unable to remain still, sedation may be necessary. BLOOD TESTS Blood tests are performed to monitor your child’s blood cells, body salts, and certain proteins or compounds of interest in the blood. These tests primarily are used to monitor your child’s response to treatment and any possible side effects of therapy. A complete blood count helps detect decreases in the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets in the blood. Blood chemistry tests, such as tests that check the individual’s blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, are performed to detect changes in kidney function. Other tests, such as those monitoring the individual’s levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate
aminotransferase, and bilirubin, may be necessary to assess liver function. Blood tests, such as those monitor- ing the individual’s rates of erythrocyte sedimentation and C-reactive protein—which sometimes are elevated in cases of Hodgkin lymphoma—may be used to measure the individual’s response to treatment. During your child’s first visit to the hospital or clinic, your treatment team may request blood tests to rule out other diseases, but these tests are not diagnostic for Hodgkin lymphoma.
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