Necrotizing B-cell lymphoma. A case report with a review of the literature

We describe a case of massively necrotizing B-cell lymphoma, involving both axillary and cervical lymph nodes. Histologically, no vascular lesions were noted, and the necrosis was manifested by death of the tumor cells themselves. These cells were surrounded by macrophages, simulating the features of tuberculous lymphadenitis. Immunostaining was a useful method of defining the origin not only of viable cells, but also of necrotic cells in the lymphoma.