All lymphomas are derived from a single transformed cell and thus are: monoclonal. B- and T-cell tumors are composed of cells derived from specific stages of their normal differentiation pathways.
Cellular origin of lymphoma
Small lymphocytic lymphoma lymph node
Low power view showing diffuse monotonous proliferation of small lymphocytes that effaces the architecture of the node.Small lymphocytic lymphoma lymph node
HP view of small lymphocytic lymphoma. The nuclear contours are regular, the chromatin is clumped, and nucleoli are inconspicuous.Proliferative center in a lymph node involved by small lymphocytic lymphoma.
Lymph node involvement by follicular NHL
The neoplastic nodules bulge onto the cut surface of the involved lymph nodeThe lymph node architecture is replaced by numerous follicles (nodules) of lymphoid cells. The latter are of relatively similar size. The capsule of the node has been invaded and the lymphoma cells extend into the surrounding adipose tissue. Note that the follicles are numerous.
Follicular lymphoma
Recurrent translocations may result in fusion gene formation or transcriptional dysregulation of an intact target gene.
t(14;18) translocation
Marked contrast between the cleaved cells of follicular lymphoma (B) and the regular mature lymphocytes of small lymphocytic lymphoma (A).
Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma Vs Follicular Lymphoma
A
B
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (centroblastic)
Prakash, S. et al. J Clin Pathol 2007;60:1076-1085The constituent cells are large with large nuclei, many of which have more than one prominent nucleoli.
Prakash, S. et al. J Clin Pathol 2007;60:1076-1085
There are numerous large lymphoid cells each with a prominent single nucleolus and a moderate amount of often eccentrically placed cytoplasm.Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (immunoblastic)
Burkitt's lymphoma
A fungating mandibular tumor that ulcerates through the skin. Facial involvement is a feature of the endemic form of the disease.Burkitt Lymphoma : t(8;14) translocation
High-grade neoplasm with features of Burkitt lymphoma/leukemia involving bone marrow. The neoplastic cells are medium size with cytoplasmic (lipid) vacuoles. A mitotic figure is present.
Burkitt lymphoma Bone marrow cytological smear
The presence of numerous pale staining reactive macrophages containing ingested nuclear debris within a blue background (of lymphoma cells) gives a "starry sky" pattern.
Burkitt lymphoma histological section of the tumor
High-grade neoplasm with features of Burkitt lymphoma involving mesenteric lymph nodes. The tumor infiltrate displays a prominent starry-sky pattern and the neoplastic cells are of medium size with round nuclei containing several nucleoli.
Burkitt lymphoma histologic section of the tumor (high power)
Classical Hodgkin’s Reed-Sternberg (RS) cell A large cell with two enlarged nuclei having prominent nucleoli, and abundant, slightly eosinophilic cytoplasm, each with a large acidophilic nucleolus surrounded by a distinctive clear zone. The nuclear membrane is thick.
Note the bands of pink collagenous tissue dividing the field.
Classic Hodgkin lymphoma, nodular sclerosis lymph nodeClassic Hodgkin Lymphoma: Nodular Sclerosis Subtype
There are scattered large cells with a surrounding prominent clear space. These are the lacunar cells.A lacunar cell in nodular sclerosis HL
Several diagnostic Reed-Sternberg cells are seen admixed with a mixed inflammatory cell infiltrate rich in eosinophils.
Mixed cellularity subtype of Classic Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Nodular Lymphocyte Predominance Hodgkin’s lymphoma: showing a mottled appearance of the node. Hodgkin Disease: Nodular Lymphocyte Predominance-Lymph Node
Nodular Lymphocyte Predominance Hodgkin’s lymphoma: showing the lymphocytic and/or histiocytic (L&H) type of cell (“popcorn” cell) that is characteristic of this condition.
neoplastic lymphoid cells in mycosis fungoides involving the epidermis.
So-called Pautrier microabscess in mycosis fungoides.Mycosis fungoides