A case of a lymphoproliferative disorder: usefulness of DNA analysis in diagnosis

We describe a patient in whom a suppressor/cytotoxic T cell lymphoma was suspected on the basis of histology and immunohistochemistry. DNA analysis of specimens from three different lesions, using restriction enzymes Eco RI and Bam HI, showed the same rearrangement of the T cell receptor beta-chain genes. We consider this technique to be of value in the early diagnosis of malignant lymphoma when differential diagnosis from other lymphoproliferative disorders is difficult with conventional methods.