Histologic and cytologic liver changes in 120 patients with malignant lymphomas

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Malignant lymphomas can affect various organs, including the liver.
• Understanding the frequency and patterns of liver involvement is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of liver infiltration by lymphoma.
• To identify non-specific liver changes in patients with malignant lymphomas.
• To evaluate the diagnostic utility of percutaneous liver biopsy in staging lymphomas.

Main Methods:

• 120 patients with untreated malignant lymphomas underwent percutaneous liver biopsy.
• Histological and cytological analysis of biopsy specimens.
• Categorization of lymphomas into Hodgkin's disease, histiocytic, and lymphocytic types.

Main Results:

• Lymphomatous infiltration of the liver was found in 27.5% of lymphocytic, 23.8% of histiocytic, and 7.8% of Hodgkin's disease patients.
• Liver involvement was significantly more frequent in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas compared to Hodgkin's disease (P < 0.025).
• Non-specific liver changes included chronic persistent hepatitis, aggressive hepatitis, liver steatosis, and hemosiderosis.

Conclusions:

• Hepatic involvement by lymphoma is more prevalent in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.
• Percutaneous liver biopsy is a valuable tool for staging malignant lymphomas.
• Findings impact clinical staging and treatment strategies for lymphoma patients.