Tertiary care center experience: An overview of primary mediastinal lymphomas

Background: Mediastinal lymphoma is uncommon, and only 10% of lymphomas occur primarily in the mediastinum. Very few Indian studies have discussed the frequency, presentation, and diagnostic approach of primary mediastinal lymphomas. Aims: This study aims to detail the frequency and histological features of mediastinal lymphomas diagnosed in our Institute, discuss the close differentials, and compare the morphological and immunohistochemistry (IHC) features of primary mediastinal lymphomas. Settings and Design: A retrospective observational study. Materials and Methods: Fifty-nine cases of primary mediastinal lymphomas diagnosed over 5 years using hematoxylin and eosin (H and E)-stained and IHC slides. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics. Results and Conclusions: Forty-five (76%) cases had predominant involvement of the anterior mediastinum; Hodgkin lymphoma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma constituted 12 and 47 cases, respectively. T lymphoblastic lymphoma comprises the most common primary mediastinal lymphoma. There is a marked difference between the demographic profiles of cases with primary mediastinal lymphomas in India and worldwide. A meticulous histological examination to direct a limited panel of IHC markers can help arrive at the final diagnosis in settings where molecular and cytogenetic studies are not performed.