CYTOLOGIC FINDINGS IN A CASE OF T-CELL RICH B-CELL LYMPHOMA - POTENTIAL DIAGNOSTIC PITFALL IN FNA OF LYMPH-NODES

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is a reliable diagnostic techniqu e for most palpable masses. This technique is utilized routinely to di agnose metastatic carcinoma and melanomas in lymph nodes. However, the role of FNAB in the investigation of lymphoproliferative lesions is s till controversial. Recent publications have supported the use of FNAB cytology, in conjunction with immunophenotyping, as an accurate, reli able diagnostic modality for the classification of most lymphomas (Sne ige et al., Acta Cytol 1990; 34:311-322; Skoog and Tani, Diagn Oncol 1 991;1:12-18; Robins et al., Am J Clin Pathol 1994, 101:569-576; Katz, Clin Lab Med 1991;11:469-499). We present a case of a T-cell rich, lar ge B-cell lymphoma. Material obtained by FNAB mimicked a reactive proc ess by both cytomorphological and immunophenotypical analysis. This ca se demonstrates a potential pitfall in the use of FNAB to evaluate lym phoproliferative disorders even when used in conjunction with immunoph enotypic studies. The case also emphasizes the need for detailed clini cal and prior pathologic information when a cytologic sample is being evaluated for a lymphoproliferative disorder. To our knowledge, the cy tomorphologic findings of this particular type of lymphoma have not be en previously described as seen on an FNAB. (C) 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.