Immunohistochemical Subtypes of Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas with Special Emphasis on Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Background: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a heterogeneous disease with respect to etiology, morphology, immunohistochemistry, and prognosis. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is categorized into two subtypes – germinal center B-cell like (GCB) and activated B-cell like, based on the stage of B-cell differentiation. The epidemiologic profile of NHL varies from one place to another. The aim of the present study was to delineate the frequencies of different types of NHL including subtypes of DLBCL in a tertiary care center. Another objective was to determine if there is any correlation between different subtypes of DLBCL and clinicopathological parameters. Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemical (IHC) examination was done on paraffin blocks of patients diagnosed as NHL by histopathological examination. The patient details, type of NHL including subtype of cases of DLBCL, diagnosed by IHC, were recorded. Results: The mean age of the study population of 62 patients was 53 ± 14.5 years. Forty patients (65%) were male and 22 (35%) were female. The majority (56, 90%) of the NHLs were of B-cell type. DLBCL was the most common B-cell lymphoma (23, 41%). GCB subtype (12, 21%) of DLBCL was slightly more frequent than non-GCB type (11, 20%). The correlation between subtypes of DLBCL and clinicopathological parameters was not statistically significant. Peripheral T-cell lymphoma was the most common type of T-cell lymphoma. Most of the NHLs presented with nodal involvement (38, 61%). Conclusion: The heterogeneity of NHLs in different parts of the country makes it necessary to undertake epidemiological studies so that patient care may be improved.