MALIGNANT-LYMPHOMAS WITH A FOLLICULAR-GROWTH PATTERN

Given the pivotal role of the B-cell follicle in B-cell proliferation, and the fact that the follicle centre has the highest proliferation f raction of any structure in the body, it would be reasonable to expect that the potential for the development of aberrant (neoplastic) growt h within it would be relatively high, especially when compared to othe r lymphoid compartments. However, in all current lymphoma classificati ons only one entity, namely follicular lymphoma, is acknowledged as ha ving any relation to the follicle, As knowledge of the immunophenotype and function of the normal follicle has increased, it has become evid ent that many lymphomas, including some examples of Hodgkin's disease, are related to the B-cell follicle and as a consequence manifest a fo llicular growth pattern. This has implications for the pathogenesis of these tumours and may point the way to novel therapeutic options.