Spontaneous regression of a small non-cleaved cell malignant lymphoma (non-Burkitt's lymphoblastic lymphoma). Morphologic, immunohistological, and immunoglobulin gene analysis.

Complete spontaneous regression of high-grade malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is extremely unusual. In this report the authors describe a complete spontaneous remission after surgical excisional biopsy of a small noncleaved cell malignant lymphoma (non-Burkitt's lymphoblastic lymphoma) of the tonsil in a 12-year-old boy. The diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistologic and immunoglobulin gene analysis. Similar studies were performed on the cervical lymph node excised 2 weeks later when spontaneous remission had occurred. The patient has remained in good health for over 3 years.