Immunologic classification of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas

OBJECTIVE: To present a concise review of the morphologic classification systems of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHLs) and to show how the classification systems correlate with immunophenotyping. DATA SOURCES: Related literature. STUDY SELECTION: Not applicable. DATA EXTRACTION: Not applicable. DATA SYNTHESIS: NHL diagnosis is currently based on lymph node biopsy; immunophenotyping provides further information to aid the physician in designing a treatment regimen. Current classification systems vary in the criteria used to classify NHLs. CONCLUSION: As diagnostic techniques proliferate and become more sophisticated, NHL classification systems must be modified to embrace data provided by those techniques.