Lymphohematopoietic malignancies

In this chapter, we present the 2017 revised WHO classification as the current reference standard for lymphohematopoietic malignancies. According to this, we discuss in detail the subgroups of myeloid and lymphoid malignancies, characterizing their biological and clinical features. Then, based on the current list of putative carcinogens maintained by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (updated to November 2018), we describe the possible occupational risk factors for myeloid and lymphoid malignancies. In particular, we focus on ionizing radiations (including fission products, phosphorus-32, strontium-90, thorium-232, and its decay products), benzene, 1,3-butadiene, formaldehyde, two pesticides (lindane and pentachlorophenol), and a generically identified industrial process (rubber production industry). As reviewed in the chapter, the case definitions adopted in epidemiological studies seldom met the classification criteria established by WHO. Hence, knowledge on putative risk factors for lymphohematopoietic malignancies is limited to major groupings, such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma, chronic lymphoid leukemia. Future researches should be oriented to study specific diseases and based on case definitions derived by systematic classifications of lymphohematopoietic malignancies.