Haem Malignancy Flashcards
what is a lymphoma
malignant proliferation of mature lymphocytes that accumulate in lymph nodes
what are the two types of lymphomas
Hodgkins lymphoma
Non-Hodgkins lymphoma
which type of lymphoma is most common
Non-hodgkins (80% of lymphomas)
subdivisions of non-hodgkins lymphomas
B cell (90% of tumours) T cell
what cell type characterises Hodgkins lymphoma
Reed-Sternberg cells
- ‘mirror image’ binucleated cells
subdivisions of Hodgkins lymphoma
nodular sclerosis (most common- 70%) mixed cellularity (older patients, high numbers of Reed Sternberg cells) lymphocyte rich (good prognosis) lymphocyte depleted (bad prognosis)
which immuno markers are +ve for Reed Sternberg cells
CD30
CD15
When does Hodgkins lymphoma typically present
2 peaks:
- 15 - 30
- 75 - 80
more common in men
immunomarker for non-hodgkins lymphoma
CD20
how does a lymphoma typically present
painless lymphadenopathy
- will feel rubbery, mobile, asymmetrical enlargement
B symptoms:
- weight loss, fever, night sweats, fatigue, itch
what is a specific feature of the lymphadenopathy in Hodgkins lymphoma
painful when alcohol is consumed
diagnostic investigation for suspected lymphoma
exisional node biopsy
what virus is linked to increased risk of lymphoma
EBV
Staging system used for lymphomas
Ann-Arbor system:
- Stage 1: one node affected
- Stage 2: more than one node affected on the same side of the diaphragm
- Stage 3: nodes affected on either side of the diaphragm
- Stage 4: extra nodal involvement e.g. spleen, bone marrow, CNS
what is Burkitts lymphoma
high grade B cell lymphoma
common in Africa - associated with EBV/ malaria
‘starry sky’ appearance on microscopy
associated with c-myc gene translation t(8:14)
