Hematologic Malignancy: The Lymphomas

The lymphomas are a diverse group of hematologic neoplasms arising primarily from lymph nodes. They vary widely in affected age group, clinical course, and prognosis. The lymphomas are subdivided into two main groups: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and the non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs). Together, they constitute the fifth most common malignancy in the Western world, and the incidence of NHL has increased markedly since the 1960s, especially in the elderly. Developments in cross-sectional imaging and functional imaging over the past two decades, together with new insights into the phylogeny and molecular classification of the lymphomas, have revolutionized the management of these heterogeneous conditions. Imaging is crucial at every phase of the patient journey and offers the possibility of individualized, risk-adapted, and response-adapted treatment. Perhaps in no other field of oncology has 2-[18F] fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography had such a profound impact.