Primary Extranodal Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas: A Single Center Experience

Abstract

Background: Primary extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is emerging as a common entity that presents with diverse clinical features, morphology and immunophenotyping patterns.
 Aim: The aim of this study is to analyze the clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features in patients with primary extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
 Settings and Design: This is a retrospective observational study from pre-recorded hospital data.
 Materials and Methods: The data of all histologically confirmed patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were retrieved to identify those confirmed as primary extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma among patients attending King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia over the last 12 years (January 2003 - May 2015). Retrieved data was analyzed with regards to the demography, clinical features, histopathological and immunohistochemical features. Lymphoma of the study group were classified according to World Health Organization classification of lymphomas 2008.
 Result: A total of 218 patients with histologically confirmed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were identified. Seventy-nine (36.2%) had primary extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The most common age group affected was 20-39 years for both genders. Gastrointestinal system was the most frequently involved system for both genders. Colon was the most common site involved among males, while thyroid and thymus were the most common sites involved among females. Diffuse large B cell lymphoma was the most common histological type.
 Conclusion: Primary extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is common in Saudi Arabia affecting males and females almost equally in the third and fourth decades of life, with diffuse large B cell lymphoma being the most common histologic subtype.