[Malignant lymphomas--review, classification and staging]

Malignant lymphomas are lympho-proliferative diseases in which the well-defined clinical pattern of Hodgkin's diseases is contrasted by the heterogeneous group of lymphomas of the non-Hodgkin type. A simplified form of the sub-classification of Hodgkin's disease suggested in 1966 by Lukes and Butler, has found world-wide recognition. However, no generally accepted classification scheme has been evolved so far for the histological classification of other lymphomas, and this leads to considerable difficulties when comparing the therapy results from different centres. Precise histological classification and accurate staging before onset of therapy enable well-defined prognoses and therapy planning in line with case requirements. Radiological methods (x-ray chest, sonography, computed tomography, lymphography, scintigraphy etc.) are important in diagnosis required for accurate staging.