A thorough physical examination of the patient should be conducted with an assessment of performance status.1
Commonly examined areas during a physical exam include1:
The lymphatic system is shown in green in the image
- Lymph nodes
- A survey of palpable lymph node areas throughout the body, including the axillary, femoral, and inguinal areas
The lymphoid survey3:
The lymphatic system is shown in green in the image
- Chest
- An assessment for pain, pressure, or symptoms of superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) 3
- Abdomen
- Palpation for any masses. Assess for splenomegaly (enlarged spleen) and hepatomegaly (enlarged liver)3
- Head and neck
- A survey for palpable nodes, including assessment of Waldeyer’s Ring3
- Extranodal sites
- Central nervous system (CNS)3
- Gastrointestinal (GI) tract3
- Skin abnormalities, such as rashes and lumps, may be subtle3
- Mucosal abnormalities (eg, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue [MALT] lymphomas)3
- Note: Nongastric sites, such as eyes and skin, should be assessed during the physical exam for gastric MALT lymphoma1