CYTODIAGNOSIS OF A PRIMARY NON-HODGKINS-LYMPHOMA OF BONE

We report fine-needle aspiration cytology and histologic findings of a primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of bone involving the rib and iliac bo nes. Smears contained abnormal lymphoid cells and abundant lymphogland ular bodies, suggesting a malignant lymphoproliferative disease. Howev er histologic sections showed nests of tumor cells with extensive cyto plasmic clearing surrounded by sclerosis, thus mimicking a carcinoma. Clinical data, radiographic findings, and cytohistological correlation led to a final diagnosis of primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the bon e, confirmed by immunopositive staining for leukocyte common antigen C D45 and B-cell associated antigen CD20. It is concluded that finding n umerous lymphoglandular bodies in bone tumor specimens allows an accur ate diagnosis of lymphoid tissue. The rarity of bone lymphoma and the misleading histologic features can cause considerable difficulty in di agnosing this entity. The importance of identifying lymphoglandular bo dies and the appropriate use of immunochemistry are emphasized. (C) 19 94 Wiley-Liss, Inc.