The Development of Hodgkin’s Disease and Lymphoma during Anticonvulsant Therapy

1. Six patients in whom Hodgkin’s disease or lymphosarcoma developed during the use of anticonvulsant agents (Dilantin, phenobarbital, Mysoline, Celontin) are reported.

2. The differential diagnosis from pseudolymphoma, the course of these malignant lymphomas, and their therapeutic management are discussed.

3. Based upon information presently available, it could not be determined whether the atypical hyperplasia sometimes observed during anticonvulsant drug therapy is precancerous, or whether these agents may be carcinogenic in certain sensitive individuals.

4. Patients with a seizure disorder who develop lymphoma require standard therapy for both conditions. The anticonvulsant drugs had no evident adverse effect on the course of the lymphoma, although substitution of another agent seems warranted, if possible, for the offending drug.