Cytogenetic investigations were performed in a case of a nodal malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Histopathological analysis from an involved lymph node as well as from a skin biopsy revealed a lymphohistiocytic variant of CD30-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). A t(2;5)(p23;q35) chromosome translocation could be observed in all metaphases analysed. This finding was confirmed both by RT-PCR analysis of the NPM/ALK fusion protein and by positive staining with the p80(NPM/ALK) antibody. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a t(2;5) documented by classic cytogenetics in the lymphohistiocytic variant of ALCL.