Which tests determine if someone has lymphoma, particularly the type that is very responsive to steroids?

Biopsy of lymph node: To make a definitive diagnosis of lymphoma, one need to have tissue proof that it is lymphoma. Then special studies are done on the specimen to determine what type of lymphoma it is. The treatments will be different dependent on the type, some of which may respond to steroids, however this is only one of the drugs that would be used.

Biopsy: A tissue biopsy, preferably of an excised lymph node, is required for the diagnosis of non-hodgkin's lymphoma (nhl). However, the evaluation of a patient with possible nhl begins with a careful history and physical. Lymphomas are usually treated with a carefully selected combination of chemotherapeutic agents, one of which may be Prednisone (corticosteroid).

See below...: The diagnosis of lymphoma is very complex and relies on a constellation of clinical signs and symptoms including unexplained weight loss, night sweats, lack of appetite, fatigue, progressively enlarging lymph nodes, progressively enlarging liver and/or spleen, etc. Ultimately, a lymph node biopsy is necessary to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. Based on that, the oncologist decides the treatment.