[Malignant lymphoma: diagnosis and initial management]

Diagnosis of malignant lymphoma is mainly based on the presence of enlarge lymph nodes and/or spleen, with or without general symptoms. Diagnosis requires a pathological analysis of a lymph node after a surgical or radiological procedure. An extra-nodal involvement could be associated or even be the unique sign of lymphoma. Main localizations are from digestive tract, skin and head and neck area. Complications such as tumour lysis syndrome or compressive syndrome could led to an emergency initial management. In all cases, patients must be treated in an hematological department where treatment will be based on histological sub-type, initial examinations, prognostic score and associated diseases.