Clinical presentation and initial evaluation of non-Hodgkin lymphoma - UpToDate

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) comprise a diverse group of hematologic malignancies that are variously derived from B cell progenitors, T cell progenitors, mature B cells, mature T cells, or (rarely) natural killer cells. NHL is seen in patients of all ages, races, and socioeconomic statuses. Diagnosis and classification of NHL requires an adequate biopsy specimen and expert pathologic review because the clinical manifestations, prognosis, and management of lymphomas vary widely according to the type of lymphoma. This topic reviews the clinical presentation and initial evaluation of a patient with suspected NHL. Classification of NHL and the general pretreatment evaluation, staging, and response assessment in lymphomas are discussed separately. (See "Classification of hematopoietic neoplasms" and "Pretreatment evaluation and staging of non-Hodgkin lymphomas".) Treatment and prognosis of specific subtypes of NHL are discussed in those particular topics. CLINICAL PRESENTATION General — The

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) comprise a diverse group of hematologic malignancies that are variously derived from B cell progenitors, T cell progenitors, mature B cells, mature T cells, or (rarely) natural killer cells. NHL is seen in patients of all ages, races, and socioeconomic statuses. Diagnosis and classification of NHL requires an adequate biopsy specimen and expert pathologic review because the clinical manifestations, prognosis, and management of lymphomas vary widely according to the type of lymphoma. This topic reviews the clinical presentation and initial evaluation of a patient wit