Lung cancer following treatment for lymphoma

Six patients with lung carcinoma from a group of 206 treated for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and 82 with Hodgkin's disease are described. Review of the literature shows that an increased risk of solid tumors following treatment for lymphoma has not been conclusively demonstrated. However, some series have reported a relative risk two to three times normal. A few investigators have suggested that there is an increased risk of carcinoma of the lung following treatment for lymphoma. The development of this tumor in six of 288 patients with lymphoma suggests that there may indeed be an association. Patients who have been treated for lymphoma should be observed for development of both hematologic and solid neoplasms. In particular, a patient who is a smoker should be investigated thoroughly for lung carcinoma if suspicious symptoms or new chest radiographic findings develop.