Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Analysis of 92 cases using the 'international' classification

Ninety-two non-Hodgkin's lymphomas in which cell-surface-marker studies were done were classified according to the "international" classification. Relationships among immunologic phenotypes and classification categories were evaluated. Although several categories were homogeneous for immunologic cell type, others were heterogeneous. The latter were found among the diffuse lymphomas and especially those of mixed-cell type. No histological feature other than a follicular architecture, proved to be specific to or exclusive of B, T, or non-B-non-T tumors. Since adequate diagnostic classification requires both morphological classification and immunologic classification based on cell-surface-marker techniques, provision for such studies should be made in the case of any biopsy specimen in which malignant lymphoma is suspected. Such studies may also assist in distinguishing large-cell lymphoma from undifferentiated carcinoma and malignant lymphoma from atypical lymphoproliferative processes.