Basic concepts in non-hodgkin lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a heterogenous group of lymphoreticular malignancies that can be classified into six major cell types. In comparison with Hodgkin disease, non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more common and tends to occur in older persons. The investigative procedures for clinical and pathologic staging are similar to those used in Hodgkin disease, except that staging laparotomy is performed less frequently. Results of biopsy reflect a high incidence of bone marrow, liver, and splenic hilar and mesenteric lymph node involvement in Non-Hodgkin lymphoma than in Hodgkin disease.