Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) symptoms and diagnosis

You may have a sample of your bone marrow (a biopsy) taken soon after you’re diagnosed, to see whether your bone marrow is affected by lymphoma. This is called a bone marrow biopsy and gives doctors another opportunity to check your diagnosis and get more information about your condition.

Find out more about bone marrow biopsies.

You might need this test if there’s a high risk of the lymphoma spreading to your central nervous system (your brain and spinal cord). Before this test, you’ll be given a local anaesthetic to numb the area. Your doctor will then insert a very fine needle between the bones of your lower spine (backbone). Using the needle, the doctor will take a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid.

We have more information about lumbar punctures.