Monocytoid B-cell lymphoma, a tumour related to the marginal zone

Monocytoid B-lymphocytes are a B-cell subset present in subcapsular sinuses in some cases of lymphadenitis. We describe a case of lymphoma of this cell type. The tumour shows a distinctive morphology characterized by concentric strands of tumour cells around lymphoid follicles with hyperplastic germinal centres and conserved mantle zones. Electron microscopy of these cells shows short cellular processes as well as moderate development of endoplasmic reticulum. The phenotype of the tumour was monoclonal IgM-kappa, distinct from other node-based B-cell subpopulations and suggesting a possible relationship to the lymphocytes of the marginal zone present peripheral to lymphoid follicles of the spleen. Morphological features that suggest a relationship with hairy cell leukaemia are contrasted by phenotypic differences and the ultrastructural absence of ribosomic lamellar complexes.