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Abstract NHLs present the most challenging field of medical investigation, in which new concepts and techniques are constantly tested. The important task of correctly diagnosing and classifying lymphomas arises frequently and can be difficult. Many trials were attempted to classify NHLs including Rappaport classification (1966), Lukes and Collins classification (1974), Kiel classification (1974), working formulation of NHLs for clinical usage (1982), updated Kiel classification (1988) and REAL classification (1994). The WHO proposed four editions of classifications at (1976), (1997), (2001) and the most recent one published at (2008). The 2001 and 2008 WHO classification of lymphoid neoplasms are based on utilisation of all available information to define disease entities. They consider the morphologic, immunophenotypic, genetic and clinical features to classify NHLs into meaningful clinicopathologic disease entities. The 2008 WHO classification distinguishes NHLs into three major categories; precursor lymphoid neoplasms, mature B-cell neoplasms and mature T/NK-cell neoplasms. Morphology and immunophenotyping are sufficient for the diagnosis of most lymphoid neoplasms however, no one antigenic marker is specific for any neoplasm. Combination of morphologic features and a panel of antigen markers are necessary for correct diagnosis. Several mature B-cell neoplasms have characteristic genetic abnormalities that are are useful in differential diagnosis Other genetic abnormalities are used for prognosis. |