Introduction to Lymphatic Pathology

Introduction to Lymphatic Pathology

Lymphatic pathology is the branch of science that studies diseases related to the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in protecting the body from infection and disease.

# Hodgkin Lymphoma

Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer of the lymphatic system characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells. These cells are abnormal cells that develop in the lymph nodes.

Hodgkin lymphoma classification:

• Mixed cellularity Hodgkin lymphoma: Characterized by the presence of various cell types, including Reed-Sternberg cells, eosinophils, plasma cells, and lymphocytes.

• Nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma: Characterized by the presence of small cells.

• Lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma: Characterized by the presence of large cells.

• Lymphocyte-rich Hodgkin lymphoma: Characterized by the presence of lymphocytes.

• Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma: Characterized by the presence of lymphocytes.

Hodgkin lymphoma classification based on histopathological structure:

• Nodular form: Cancer cells are surrounded by a layer of lymphocytes.

• Diffuse form: Cancer cells spread throughout the lymph node tissue.

Distinguishing Hodgkin lymphoma from non-Hodgkin lymphoma:

• Hodgkin lymphoma is characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells and cellular pleomorphism.

• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma does not have Reed-Sternberg cells.

Hodgkin lymphoma stages:

• Stage I: Cancer is present in only one lymph node or a single area of tissue.

• Stage II: Cancer is present in two or more lymph nodes on the same side of the body or in a single area of tissue on the same side of the body.

• Stage III: Cancer is present in lymph nodes on both sides of the body, which may include the spleen.

• Stage IV: Cancer has spread to organs other than the lymphatic system.

Hodgkin lymphoma detected in the left neck lymph node and the inguinal lymph node on the same side is classified as Stage III.

# Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a group of cancers of the lymphatic system that do not have Reed-Sternberg cells.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma classification:

• REAL (Revised European American Classification of Lymphomas): Based on histological, genetic, and clinical features.

• WF (World Health Organization): Based on structure (nodular or diffuse) and tumor cells (large or small/cleaved or not).

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more common than Hodgkin lymphoma.

Conclusion

Lymphatic pathology is a complex field, but understanding the different types of lymphomas and how they are classified is essential for making appropriate treatment decisions.