[Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)--histopathology and clinical features]

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) has been established as a clinicopathologic entity in 1991. A histopathologic and immunohistochemical study of 16 cases of MCL was performed in order to demonstrate differential diagnostic aspects. MCLs were composed of small and medium-sized B cells assuming the appearance of centrocytes. The growth pattern was diffuse in 9 cases and that of follicle mantle zone type within at least partially present nodular parts in 16 cases. The immunohistochemical staining for CD23 antigen was negative in tumour cells whereas the strong immunoreactivity of follicular dendritic cells (FDC) decorated residual FDC network. Seven cases of MCL were examined for the presence of translocation t(11;14)(q13;q32) using polymerase chain reaction. Despite histomorphological features compatible with a diagnosis of low-grade lymphoma, MCL has a worse prognosis and more aggressive behaviour than other types of small cell lymphomas, such as small lymphocytic lymphoma and follicle centre lymphoma.