Preface

Lymphoma is a group of lymphoid neoplasms originating from B or T lymphocytes, spreading during its course to lymphatic organs and frequently disseminating to extranodal sites. It is one of the most frequent cancers in the Western world, with an increased incidence of approximately 80% since the 1970s. Lymphoma is now the fifth most common cancer in the United States, with a chance of affecting 1:41 men and 1:52 women in their lifetime. The reason for this increase is poorly understood and could be attributed to immunodeficiency, various infections, familial aggregation, blood transfusion, genetic predisposition, diet, and chemical exposures to pesticides and solvents. However, very important, the pathobiology of this group of lymphoproliferative disorders could be considered paradigmatic for many aspects of cancer research. Important advances have been achieved in the diagnosis and treatment of lymphoma, and cancer in general, after the millennium turnaround. Our understanding of the molecular biology and genetics of Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma has increased exponentially, and new imaging techniques have revolutionized our overall clinical approach to the disease, from an earlier diagnosis through a more precise portray of tumor spread to a more accurate evaluation of treatment response. CONTINUE READING…..