Distribution of Lymphoma Cases and Significance of Diagnostic Immunohistochemistry in a Sample of Iraqi Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Tertiary Center in Baghdad

Zahraa Ali Saleh Al-Taee; Raghad Hanoon Zamil; Sarah Dheyaa Saeed  Al-kattan; Methaq Mueen Al-kaabi; Areege Kamal

doi:10.54133/ajms.v8i2.1960

Authors

Zahraa Ali Saleh Al-Taee Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jabir Ibn Hayyan Medical University, Al Najaf Al Ashraf, Iraq https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5082-5643
Raghad Hanoon Zamil Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4612-2015
Sarah Dheyaa Saeed Al-kattan National Center of Teaching Laboratories, Medical City Complex, Baghdad, Iraq https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3672-192X
Methaq Mueen Al-kaabi Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5758-1868
Areege Kamal Department Pathology, Oncology Teaching Hospital, Medical City Complex, Baghdad, Iraq https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5239-9699

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54133/ajms.v8i2.1960

Keywords:

Baghdad, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Subtypes

Abstract

Background: The epidemiological patterns of lymphomas vary regionally, but studies in Baghdad, Iraq’s largest population center, remain limited. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence, subtype, and demographics of lymphomas in one of the major centers in Baghdad. Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated lymphoma prevalence, subtypes, and demographics at the National Center of Teaching Laboratories, Baghdad (June 2022–January 2024) using archival histopathology data confirmed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results: 50 cases with complete data were included (41.84±20.4 years). Hodgkin’s lymphoma constituted 20 (40%) of all cases, while 30 (60%) were non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients were significantly older than those with Hodgkin’s lymphoma (31±15.75 vs. 48.8±20.4 years). Male predominance was seen in both types of lymphoma, with male-to-female ratios of 1.3:1 in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and 1.2:1 in Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma comprised 95% of the cases, with nodular sclerosis being the predominant subtype (65%), followed by mixed cellularity (25%). Reed-Sternberg cell markers CD15 and CD30 were positive in 94.7% and 100% of classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma cases. B-cell lymphomas represented 83.3% of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cases, with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma being the most common subtype (40%), followed by small lymphocytic lymphoma (28%). Conclusions: In Baghdad, there is a higher prevalence of HL than the global average and regional variation in subtype distribution. Small lymphocytic lymphoma rates are relatively high; however, diffuse large B cell lymphoma is the most common non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma subtype. These findings emphasize the need for region-specific epidemiological research to improve diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes.

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