Incidence of Malignant Lymphomas in Balochistan

Abstract

Background: Traditionally lymphomas are classified into Hodgkin’s disease (HD) and Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma 
(NHL) depending upon histo-pathological evidence on biopsy taken from an enlarged lymph node. Delayed 
diagnosis in lymphoma deteriorates the health eminence resulting in poor outcome. 
Objectives: The aim of the study is to estimate the incidence and clinical presentation of malignant lymphomas in 
Balochistan. 
Study Design: Prospective Study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried in the Department of Radiotherapy & Oncology, Bolan 
Medical Complex Hospital, Quetta from June, 2006 to May, 2012 
Materials and Methods: A total of 263 newly diagnosed patients of both types of lymphoma from different parts of 
Balochistan were registered in Bolan Medical Complex Hospital in Department of Radiotherapy & Oncology. 
Followed by histopathology, WHO classification and Ann Arbor staging was done to assign subtype and extent of 
disease. 
Results: It was found that the incidence of Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma a (64.7%) was greater than Hodgkin’s disease 
(35.2%) and both present bimodal distribution in age. Male patients dominate female patients in both cases (2.5:1). 
Lymph-adenopathy of cervical region was primary site in 44 % of cases while 27.6 % were extra nodal. 
Histopathology shows 57.4 % mixed cellularity variant in Hodgkin’s lymphoma and 25.5% diffuse B cell pattern in 
Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Ann Arbor staging reveals that 3.4% cases present with stage I and 64.5% show 
stage IV. 
Conclusion: To conclude Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma is two times more frequent than Hodgkin’s lymphoma with 
greater male contribution. Due to delayed diagnosis resulted in late stage presentation ,health awareness is needed 
for physicians and general population for availability of patients at a due time for management.