Spread according to histology in non-Hodgkin's lymphomata.

The spread of non-Hodgkin's lymphomata was investigated in a group of 323 cases. Differences were sought between 4 histological groups: lymphocytic vs histiocytic lymphomata and diffuse vs follicular types. Histiocytic and follicular types were rare in childhood. Histiocytic lymphomata, compared with lymphocytic ones, were more often confined to sites above the diaphragm. They exhibited a higher rate of loco-regional recurrences within the first 3 months and also of late recurrence after 4 years. Lymphocytic lymphomata of the follicular type more commonly presented with nodal involvement below the diaphragm as primary or secondary site than the diffuse form. Follicular types of lymphoma compared with diffuse types, occurred more frequently in women. They were more seldom seen as primary or secondary sites in extranodal localizations. They had a smaller chance of late disease recurrence and were associated with a longer survival time after first recurrence. The mediastinum often remained clinically uninvolved. With regard to this mediastinal "skip" no differences were found between the histological groups.