PRIMARY GASTROINTESTINAL NON-HODGKINS-LYMPHOMA - A POPULATION-BASED STUDY IN CENTRAL FINLAND IN 1975-1993

Gastrointestinal lymphomas have been uncommon, but the frequency of th eir predisposing conditions is increasing. The objective of the presen t study is to determine the frequency of gastrointestinal lymphomas in the area of central Finland as well as the influence of clinical feat ures and therapeutical approaches on the survival of these patients. A ll samples of gastrointestinal non-Hodgkin's lymphomas diagnosed of pa tients living in the province of central Finland in 1975-1993 were re- examined. In central Finland the mean annual frequency of new gastroin testinal lymphomas was 10/1 000 000 in 1975-1984 and 16.0/1 000 000 in 1985-1993. The total incidence of gastrointestinal lymphomas in Finla nd adjusted for age to the world standard population was 12.5/1 000 00 0 in 1992. Two patients with peripheric T-cell lymphoma had a coeliac disease. Other predisposing conditions were not found. The stage of di stribution of the lymphoma (p < 0.01) and radicality of the surgery (p < 0.01) were the most influencing Factors on the survival of these pa tients. In conclusion the early distinction of gastrointestinal lympho mas is vital because of an increasing frequency of predisposing factor s and a better prognosis due to new combination therapies.