DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed and previously untreated anaplastic large cell Ki-1 lymphoma and T-cell large cell lymphoma Malignant lymphoblasts (identified by immunophenotype) in pleural fluid, ascitic fluid, or bone marrow sufficient for diagnosis Large cell lymphoma with T-cell phenotype eligible Localized mediastinal disease and bone lymphoma eligible CNS disease eligible and defined as: Any clearly identifiable tumor cells in cerebral spinal fluid Cranial nerve palsy (if not explained by extra cranial tumor) Clinical Spinal Cord Compression Isolated intra cerebral mass No cranial nerve palsies requiring immediate CNS irradiation