Familial non-Hodgkin lymphoma: histologic diversity and relation to other cancers

Familial non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) cases were classified according to the histologic criteria (modified) of Rappaport, to determine the extent of morphologic similarities of the tumors. In four families affected members had different tumor histologies that may be observed in an individual patient as the lymphoma progresses. In two families, the affected relatives had tumors of seemingly discordant histology. These tumors may nonetheless be etiologically related as indicated by the pattern of laboratory abnormalities, especially immunologic, in affected as well as unaffected members. The 20 cases had a reversal of the sex ratio (M/F) usually seen in NHL: 0.5 instead of 1.3. Other tumors observed in these families included primary hepatocellular carcinoma, pulmonary adenocarcinoma, Hodgkin disease, and acute lymphocytic leukemia - all of which have been associated with inborn or acquired immunodeficiency states.