Final answer:
To identify the type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a biopsy followed by microscope examination and immunohistochemistry is performed. Treatment can include immunotherapy with anti-CD20 antibodies, chemotherapy, radiation, and sometimes surgery for abdominal tumors.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the specific type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), physicians perform a biopsy of the abnormal tissue, including lymph nodes, and examine it under a microscope. Abnormal cell size or shape may indicate a particular subtype of lymphoma. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry tests are used to detect the presence of cell-surface antigens by applying labeled antibodies to the tissue sample. If antibodies bind, it indicates the presence of specific antigens related to the lymphoma subtype.
For individuals with NHL such as B-cell tumors, treatments might include immunotherapy that uses anti-CD20 antibodies, along with chemotherapy and radiation. If the tumor is located in the abdomen, surgical excision might also be necessary. For accurate diagnosis and staging, which is vital because subtypes like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are aggressive, additional tests including computed tomography (CT) scans and bone marrow biopsies are performed.