Cytology of bronchial associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma
1Department of Pathology University of Alabama Birmingham, Alabama 35249-6823, USA. dchhieng@path.uab.edu
Abstract:
A 69-year-old man sought medical care because of persistent cough. Imaging work up revealed multiple nodules involving both lungs. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) of the right lower lobe mass was performed and revealed atypical alveolar cells in a lymphoid background. The initial cytologic interpretation was "atypical alveolar cells, probably reactive." The patient underwent wedge resection of the right lower lobe. Intraoperative touch preparation revealed an atypical lymphoid proliferation. Histologic findings revealed multiple nodules of small and medium-sized lymphocytes replacing the lung parenchyma; lymphoepithelial lesions, and type II pneumocytes hyperplasia were also noted. Flow cytometry demonstrated the presence of a monoclonal B-cell population. A diagnosis of bronchial associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) lymphoma was established. The patient was treated with rituximab and was disease free 2 years after initial diagnosis.
Related Concept Videos
Lymphoid Cells and Tissues
Lymphoid cells consist of various types of immune system cells. These include B and T lymphocytes, which are responsible for producing antibodies and killing infected cells, respectively. Dendritic cells act as messengers between the innate and adaptive...
The Bronchial Tree
The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a tube that connects the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi. At a point called the carina, it bifurcates into two primary bronchi. The right primary bronchus is wider, shorter, and more vertical than the left primary...
Primary Lymphoid Organs
The red bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue nestled in the interior of long bones such as the humerus and femur. It is the site...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Secondary Lymphoid Organs
The spleen is a vital organ in the lymphatic system, nestled in the upper left side of the abdomen. It is composed of two primary regions: the red pulp and the white pulp, each having distinct functions. The red pulp performs a significant role in blood filtration. It efficiently purges the blood of old or damaged red blood cells and...
Asthma I: Introduction

