Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in South Punjab [retrospective analysis of 148 patients]

ABSTRACT

In this first report from south of Punjab, retrospective analysis of 148 patients with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, who were seen and treated between January 1983 and December, 1987 is presented. The aim of this study was to review .the mode of presentation, clinical features and histopathology of Non Hodgkin's lymphoma in a major teaching] hospital. There was a significant divergence from currently available information from western and regional countries. Our data a illustrates that 1] there is a relatively high frequency [6.4%] of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma as compared to western countries [2.3%]. 2] there is higher male to female ratio [41] in our study. 3] there is a lower median age of onset of disease [40 years]. 4] intermediate and high grade histopathological types constitute great majority of lymphomas [90.5%], while nodular lymphomas are rare [1.4%]. 5] higher frequency of extranodal lymphomas [36%]. 6] among extra nodal lymphomas intestinal lymphoma is more prevalent than gastric lymphomas - a pattern resembling that Middle East and mediterranean countries. 7] there is a high frequency [11%] of CNS lymphoma, Spinal Epidural Lymphoma [SEL] as compared to regional and western countries. 8] there is low curative potential, which may be due to bulky disease at presentation, high frequency of poor prognostic histological types, poor patient compliance to treatment due to high cost and non-avialability of drugs and poor follow-up