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Secondary Lymphoid Organs

Secondary Lymphoid Organs

Secondary organs, including lymph nodes, the spleen, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), work harmoniously to protect us from disease and infection.
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...

Detailed Structure and Function of Lymph Nodes

Detailed Structure and Function of Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes are bean-shaped structures that cluster along the lymphatic vessels in the inguinal, axillary, and cervical regions. Each node is divided into compartments by a capsule that extends trabeculae inward.
From a histological perspective, lymph nodes can be split into two main areas: the superficial cortex and the deep medulla. The outer cortex is populated by dendritic cells, macrophages, and B lymphocytes, which are densely packed into follicles. When these B-lymphocytes are presented...

Lymphoid Cells and Tissues

Lymphoid Cells and Tissues

Lymphoid cells and tissues are integral to the immune system, which is crucial in maintaining our body's defense against harmful pathogens. They form the building blocks of lymphoid organs, which include the spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes.
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...

Primary Lymphoid Organs

Primary Lymphoid Organs

Primary lymphoid organs are pivotal in the formation, development, and maturation of lymphocytes, the white blood cells that serve as the backbone of our immune system. This crucial function underscores their fundamental role in maintaining our overall health and immunity. The two primary lymphoid organs of prime importance are the red bone marrow and the thymus.
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...

Development of the Lymphatic System

Development of the Lymphatic System

The development of lymphatic tissues and vessels in embryonic life begins around the fifth week. These structures originate from the mesoderm layer, with lymph sacs emerging from developing veins.
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...

Appendicitis

Appendicitis

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Updated: May 15, 2026

Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting

Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting

Published on: May 1, 2015

Benign lymphadenopathies.

Lawrence M Weiss¹, Dennis O'Malley

¹Clarient Pathology Services, Inc., 31 Columbia, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656, USA. lweiss@clarientinc.com

Modern Pathology : an Official Journal of the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology, Inc

|January 3, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Benign lymphadenopathy can mimic malignant lymphoma. Key morphologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular findings help distinguish reactive hyperplasia from lymphoma, ensuring accurate diagnosis in challenging cases.

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Murine Bilateral Renal Lymphadenectomy

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Isolation of Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells by Multi-parameter Fluorescence-activated Cell Sorting

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Murine Bilateral Renal Lymphadenectomy

Murine Bilateral Renal Lymphadenectomy

Published on: December 30, 2025

Area of Science:

Pathology
Oncology
Immunology

Background:

Benign lymphadenopathy is frequently encountered in biopsies and can be misdiagnosed as malignant lymphoma.
Morphologic patterns of benign lymphadenopathy often present differential diagnostic challenges with various lymphomas.

Purpose of the Study:

To delineate key diagnostic features differentiating benign lymphadenopathy from malignant lymphoma.
To highlight specific patterns of reactive hyperplasia and their mimics, including follicular hyperplasia and paracortical hyperplasia.

Main Methods:

Review of morphologic patterns in benign lymphadenopathy.
Application of immunohistochemical stains (e.g., bcl-2, IgG, IgG4) and molecular studies (e.g., B-cell clonality, t(14;18)).
Correlation of histopathologic findings with clinical presentations and specific conditions like IgG4-associated disease and Epstein-Barr virus infection.

Main Results:

Reactive follicular hyperplasia can be distinguished from follicular lymphoma using bcl-2 staining and molecular analysis.
Reactive paracortical/interfollicular hyperplasia, including infectious mononucleosis, can mimic lymphoma but is identifiable with clinical correlation and EBER in situ hybridization.
Necrotizing lymphadenitis, such as Kikuchi disease, can resemble lymphoma but is differentiated by specific histiocytic features and immunohistochemistry.

Conclusions:

Accurate diagnosis of benign lymphadenopathy relies on a combination of morphologic assessment, immunohistochemistry, and molecular techniques.
Recognizing specific patterns of reactive hyperplasia and associated conditions is crucial for avoiding misdiagnosis of lymphoma.
Utilizing advanced diagnostic tools aids in differentiating benign conditions from malignant lymphomas, improving patient management.