Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: A review

Area of Science:

• Head and Neck Oncology
• Hematologic Malignancies
• Lymphoreticular System Neoplasms

Background:

• Lymphomas are the third most frequent neoplasm in the head and neck, originating from the lymphoreticular system.
• Malignant lymphomas are classified as Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).
• NHL accounts for approximately 5% of head and neck malignancies, often presenting as extranodal disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the pathogenesis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).
• To describe key types of NHL, including Marginal Zone B-cell Lymphoma, Follicular Lymphoma, and Mantle Cell Lymphoma.
• To highlight the prevalence and extranodal manifestations of NHL in the head and neck region.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of lymphomas in the head and neck.
• Discussion of NHL classification systems, focusing on the WHO classification.
• Explanation of NHL pathogenesis and specific lymphoma subtypes.

Main Results:

• Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) frequently involves extranodal sites in the head and neck, such as Waldeyer's ring, salivary glands, and thyroid.
• NHL exhibits diverse appearances, similar to Hodgkin's disease.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) classification is the predominant system for categorizing NHL.

Conclusions:

• Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is a significant malignancy in the head and neck, characterized by frequent extranodal involvement.
• Understanding the pathogenesis and classification of NHL is crucial for diagnosis and management.
• Specific NHL subtypes like Marginal Zone B-cell Lymphoma, Follicular Lymphoma, and Mantle Cell Lymphoma warrant detailed study.