The Role of Radiography in the Staging of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma with Laparotomy Correlation

Abstract

A prospective study of the yield of various routinely performed radiographic examinations in the initial evaluation of 93 patients with previously untreated non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was undertaken. Of these, 69 patients underwent staging laparotomy and, where pathologic correlation was possible, the lymphogram showed a 92% accuracy. Chest radiography, lymphography, and excretory urography are valuable routine procedures. Barium gastrointestinal studies should be employed if specific symptoms are present. Skeletal surveys had a very low yield. The staging laparotomy provides reliable information regarding involvement of spleen, liver, and mesenteric lymph nodes.