Clinicopathological profile of patients with non-hodgkin's lymphoma at a regional cancer center in Northeast India

Context: Incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is increasing in all parts of the world, especially over the past few decades. An insight into the clinical presentation may help in the prevention, control, and treatment of NHL. Aim: To observe the clinicopathological patterns of NHL among patients in Northeast India. Subjects and Methods: A retrospective case study on 100 proven cases of NHL registered at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Manipur, during the period January 2013–May 2017 was conducted, and data were reviewed and analyzed. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using SPSS-21 and results were presented in percentages and simple frequency. Results: Majority (43.0%) of the patients were in the age group of 41 and 60 years. The mean age was 54.01 ± 18.1 years. Male:female ratio was 1.2:1. The most common presenting symptom was neck swelling (57.0%), and peripheral lymphadenopathy (76.0%) was the most common sign. Primary site distribution was nodal (57.0%) and extra-nodal NHL (43.0%). Most common nodal site involved was cervical lymph nodes (65.0%), and gastrointestinal tract (17.0%) was the most common extranodal subsite. Majority of the patients were in stage II (36.0%) at the time of diagnosis. B-cell NHL accounts for 66.0% compared to T-cell lymphoma (23.0%). Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was the most frequent B-cell lymphoma (45.0%), and anaplastic large cell lymphoma was the most common T-cell variant (15.0%). Conclusions: A thorough insight into the clinical spectrum of NHL is necessary for optimum management and improved treatment outcome