[Clinical analysis of 15 cases of T-cell malignant lymphoma in adults]

In the years 1981-1987 T-cell lymphoma was diagnosed in 7 women and 8 men (2.2% of all hospitalized cases of malignant lymphomas). Chronic lymphatic and prolymphocytic leukaemias and T-zone lymphomas prevailed. In most cases systemic symptoms and lymphadenopathy were characteristic features. In 6 cases cutaneous changes coexisted having the appearance of desquamative erythema, in 2 cases cutaneous changes preceded by 10 years the generalization of the process. In 10 cases other organs were involved. Absolute lymphocyte count ranged from value below normal to values above normal range. In 8 cases hypergammaglobulinaemia was present. The results of treatment were bad. Early drug-induced myelosuppression was observed. Nine patients died. In the group of lymphoblastic lymphoma and Pinkus lymphoma all 5 patients died.