Relative frequencies and sites of presentation of lymphoid neoplasms in a community hospital according to the revised European-American classification

Relative frequencies for common subtypes in the revised European-American c lassification of lymphoid neoplasms (REAL classification) have been reporte d. We determined the relative frequencies and sites of presentation of REAL subtypes at a 700-bed community hospital in central Illinois. A database w as used to identify and prospectively catalogue all newly diagnosed lymphoi d neoplasms from July 1, 1995 to March 1, 1998. The approach to diagnosis a nd subtyping incorporated morphologic features, immunophenotype, and clinic al findings according to criteria proposed in the REAL classification. Of 3 47 lymphoid neoplasms diagnosed, 319 were subtyped in the REAL classificati on Of these, 261 were B-cell neoplasms, 21 were T-cell neoplasms, and 37 we re Hodgkin disease variants. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma/prolymphocytic leukemia, diffuse large cell, and follicle center neoplasms were the most common B-cell subtypes. Large granular lymphocyte l eukemia was the most common T-cell neoplasm. Nodular sclerosis was the most common Hodgkin disease variant. The relative frequencies in a US community hospital setting are similar to those reported in other studies. Differenc es are attributable to patient selection criteria, study group geographic l ocation and racial composition, and/or referral patterns. Diverse REAL clas sification subtypes may be expected in US community hospitals.