Descriptive epidemiology of ophthalmic and ocular adnexal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Abstract

In this article, we provide an update on incidence rates of ophthalmic non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), in the context of other NHL, in the USA. We also provide population-based estimates of incidence and survival for ocular adnexal NHL, the most common form of ophthalmic NHL, for which descriptive patterns have not been previously reported. Ophthalmic and ocular adnexal NHL have unique incidence patterns, including equal rates among both genders, predominance among Asians/Pacific Islanders, and steady and rapid increases in the past few decades. Studies of international variations in the incidence of ocular adnexal NHL may provide clues as to the underlying mechanisms influencing its unique epidemiology.

A cluster of vitreoretinal lymphoma in New York with possible link to the Chernobyl nuclear disaster

“…Our direct analysis of population-based VRL incidence data suggests higher rates of VRL among females in the USA and among Asian/Pacific Islanders, in contrast to other extra-nodal (non-ocular) and nodal NHLs, which are more common among white males. Interestingly, a similar pattern was reported for ocular adnexal NHL [14,15]. The underlying reasons for the current observations for VRL and those reported previously for ocular adnexal NHL are not known and the influence of environmental factors and/or gene–environment interactions cannot be ruled out [16].…”

Ocular adnexal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: a review of epidemiology and risk factors

“…Different histologic subtypes of NHL have different incidence and mortality patterns [32]; NHL rates, in general, have increased worldwide in the past few decades [32–34]. The AIDS epidemic is believed to account for a portion of the increase in NHL rates in most countries [35–37]; a USA study in 1992 put the estimate of the then current AIDS-related NHL cases at approximately 10% [38].…”

“…The most recent report based on the analysis of incidence data from 13 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) areas in the USA spanning 1992–2007 revealed nearly equal male and female rates among 1604 cases of ophthalmic NHL and 1565 cases of ocular adnexal NHL, with higher rates of the disease among Asians/Pacific Islanders [34]. Analysis of rates in New York state during 1998–2007 also revealed nearly equal rates among both genders for 574 cases of ophthalmic and 553 cases of ocular adnexal NHL as well as predominance among Asians/Pacific Islanders [34]. A previous report had investigated descriptive patterns of ophthalmic NHL based on 858 cases reported in 12 SEER areas during 1992–2001 and found equal rates of ophthalmic NHL among both genders as well as predominance among Asians/Pacific Islanders [39].…”

“…Ophthalmic NHL can lead to blindness and/or death in cases of untreated and/or histologically aggressive disease (such as large-cell and/or immunoblastic types); death may also occur in cases of prior or systemic disease [43]. The 5-year (observed and relative) survival rates for ophthalmic (75.5 and 88.4%, respectively) and ocular adnexal NHL (76.6 and 89.7%, respectively), estimated based on cases diagnosed from 1999 to 2006 in 13 SEER areas and followed through 2007, were reported to be higher than those of other extranodal and nodal NHL [34]. Better survival for ophthalmic NHL may be related to its etiology and/or to its more accessible location or histological characteristics.…”

Ocular adnexal marginal zone lymphoma (OAMZL)

“…OAMZL is a rare entity accounting for 1-2% of non-Hodgkin lymphomas and 8% of all extranodal lymphomas with an incidence of about 0.28 person for year (Moslehi et al, 2011). This lymphoma is usually observed in the adulthood, with a median age of about 65 years, and a slight female prevalence (Ferry et al, 2007).…”