Initial and subsequent cytogenetic studies in malignant lymphoma.

Two or more cytogenetic studies of lymph node biopsy specimens from 12 patients with non-Hodgkin's malignant lymphoma were performed. Each of the 12 patients had at least one clonal structural chromosome abnormality in their initial biopsy specimen. A comparison of the chromosome abnormalities in the initial lymph node biopsy specimens with those in subsequent biopsy specimens was made. Structural and numerical chromosome changes were not always accompanied by a change in the histologic type of the lymphoma. Similarly, a change in histologic type was not always associated with the appearance of new structural or numerical abnormalities. Serial cytogenetic studies from additional patients will further our understanding relevant to which chromosome changes are associated with lymphomagenesis and which are secondary or more of an evolutionary nature.