T-cell/histiocyte rich large B-cell lymphoma

Abstract

Although T-cell/histiocyte rich large B-cell lymphoma (THRLBCL) is an aggressive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), its morphology can resemble nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL). These two entities are closely related: both diseases contain neoplastic cells with similar morphologic and immunophenotypic features but differ with respect to their architecture and the nature of the reactive background. Due to the overlapping features between THRLBCL and NLPHL, it is sometimes impossible to distinguish these two entities; thus, "grey zone" lymphoma is used to define some of those cases. Because of the morphologic and immunophenotypic similarities between THRLBCL and NLPHL, it is possible that these two entities may represent different stages of the same disease. A possible biological relation of THRLBCL with NLPHL has been suggested. Overlapping recurrent genetic abnormalities (gain of 4q and loss of 19p) might be the genetic link between THRLBCL and NLPHL.