J Korean Cleft Palate-Craniofac Assoc.  2006 Apr;7(1):22-25.

Clinical Experiences of PTGC(Progressively Transforming Germinal Center) in Neck Lymph Nodes

• Nam DH
• Choi HJ
• Kim MS
• Lee YM

Abstract

First described in 1975 by Lennert and Muller-Hermelink, progressively transforming germinal centers(PTGC) are follicular structures that are at least two to three times the diameter of a reactive follicle and are composed of small B lymphocytes with scattered centroblasts and follicular dendritic cells. PTGC may resemble the nodules of lymphocyte predominance Hodgkin's disease(NLPHD) and are often seen in lymph nodes involved by NLPHD. The distinction between NLPHD and PTGC are difficult because of their histologic similarities. Many authors performed an immunohistochemical study to determine whether there might be immunophenotypic differences between these two processes to aid in the differential diagnosis. We experienced PTGC in sibling and two cases is presented with the review of literatures.

Keyword

PTGC; Lymph node; Progressively transforming germinal center

MeSH Terms

B-Lymphocytes
Dendritic Cells, Follicular
Diagnosis, Differential
Humans
Lymph Nodes*
Lymphocytes
Neck*
Siblings