Pattern of histological subtypes of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: A hospital-based study from Nepal

Abstract

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) represents a heterogeneous group of lymphoid neoplasms with diverse morphology, immunophenotypic characteristics, clinical behavior, and prognosis. The prevalence of NHL subtypes varies across different geographical regions and populations. Limited data are available regarding the histological distribution of NHL in Nepal. To evaluate the prevalence and distribution of histological subtypes of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma among patients diagnosed at a tertiary care center in Nepal  , retrospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Vayodha Hospital, Nepal, between January 2023 and December 2025. Patients diagnosed with NHL based on histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were included in the study. Demographic characteristics, disease sites, and histological subtypes were analyzed using descriptive statistics. A total of 130 patients with NHL were included. Among them, 84 (65%) were male and 46 (35%) were female, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.8:1. The mean age at diagnosis was 41.8 years. Most patients (72%) were above 40 years of age. Extra nodal involvement was slightly more common (51%) than nodal disease (49%). B-cell lymphoma was the predominant subtype accounting for 111 (86%) cases, while T-cell lymphoma constituted 19 (14%) cases. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) was the most common B-cell subtype observed in 78 (70%) patients. Among T-cell lymphomas, lymphoblastic lymphoma was the most common subtype accounting for 7 (37%) cases. The findings are comparable with regional and international studies. Larger multicenter studies are recommended to better understand the epidemiological pattern and treatment outcomes of NHL in Nepal.