Routine laboratory tests in relation to spleen size and tumour involvement in untreated Hodgkin's disease

A number of routine laboratory tests were studied in 39 untreated patients with Hodgkin's disease with respect to size and tumour involvement of the spleen. Eighteen patients with tumour-engaged spleens had lower total lymphocyte counts and IgG and IgM levels than patients with non-involved spleens. However, no significant differences in these respects were found between patients with tumour-involved spleens weighing less than 500 g and patients without splenic tumour involvement. Hemoglobin values were inversely and reticulocyte counts positively correlated with the weight of involved spleens. Remaining laboratory variables under study, e.g. total granulocyte counts, platelet counts, ESR and liver enzymes, were not associated with the size or tumour involvement of the spleen. It may be concluded that routine laboratory tests yield no specific information as to splenic tumour involvement or size.