[Malignant Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas]

Over the last twenty years, the number of lymphoma patients in the industrialized countries has increased dramatically. Accordingly the family physician has first contact with patients presenting with swollen cervical glands. To establish a definitive diagnosis, a lymph node must promptly be removed, as completely as possible, for histopathological work-up. Establishment of the diagnosis must be followed by staging and the planning of appropriate (stage-oriented) therapy. Treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma has an excellent outcome. In early-stage disease, treatment comprises brief polychemotherapy followed by involved-field irradiation; in more advanced stages intensive polychemotherapy is applied. Less satisfactory results are obtained with non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.