Diffuse large-cell lymphoma. Part I: clinical features, histology and prognosis.

address correspondence to: Rafael D. Betancourt-García, 12 Parque de los Niños, Box 164, Guaynabo, P.R. 00969. Tel: (939) 717-7007 • Fax: (787) 756-5866 lymphomas are malignant transformations of normal lymphoid cells that reside predominantly in lymphoid tissues such as lymph nodes as well as extranodal sites such as stomach, thyroid, and bone. the malignant lymphomas represent a heterogeneous group of disorders which vary in their clinical presentation and in their potential for cure (1). they are morphologically subdivided into two major categories: non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin lymphoma. the NHLs in turn are broadly divided into aggressive and indolent (also known as low grade) histologies. the aggressive NHL represent about 50% of the NHLs diagnosed in Western countries, and the most common subtype is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. the aggressive lymphomas can arise from either B, t or NK lymphocytes. We will discuss the prognosis and management of de novo diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLCL-B), which should be set apart from transformed DLCL-B and from divergent histologies.