A RETROSPECTIVE AND PROSPECTIVE CLINICOPATHOLOGIC STUDY OF EXTRANODAL LYMPHOMA

Abstract

Background: Lymphomas are malignant neoplasms characterized by the proliferation of cells native to the lymphoid tissues, that is, lymphocytes, histiocytes, and their precursors and derivatives.

Methods: We performed a retrospective study on previously diagnosed cases of extranodal lymphoma in the department of pathology, JLN medical college, Ajmer, and prospective study on the fresh obtained samples once the study was started. The study period extended from January 2007 to November 2011. Patients who presented with Extra-nodal lymphoma, irrespective of age & sex were included in this study. Patients with primary lymph node involvement were excluded.

Result: Out of the ninety-six histopathologically-proven lymphoma cases, the number of extranodal lymphoma was 30; the incidence being 31.25 %. The highest number of cases was recorded in 6^th decade (7; 23.33%) followed by 6 cases (20.00%) in 4^th decade and 5 cases (16. 66. %) in 5^th decade of life. So the peak incidence of extranodal lymphoma was observed in 6^th decade. The youngest patient was a 4½-year-old male child, and the oldest one was 80-year-old female. The average age at the time of diagnosis was 40.71 years. 20 (66.66%) were males and 10 (33.33%) females. Male to female ratio was 2:1.

Conclusion: In conclusion, this study yielded some useful information and suggested that distribution of extranodal lymphoma slightly differs by geographic variation. Early diagnosis of lymphoma is essential for adequate treatment. Clinical symptoms are vague and varied. Application of immunohistochemistry greatly aids in differentiating extranodal lymphoma from undifferentiated carcinoma with which it can easily be confused.

Keywords: Lymphoma, Extranodal, Prevalence