J Korean Assoc Maxillofac Plast Reconstr Surg.  2011 Jul;33(4):368-372.

Progressive Transformation of Germinal Centers in Submandibular Area: Case Report

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Ulsan University Hospital, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Korea. lovenip@mail.ulsan.ac.kr

Abstract

Progressive transformation of germinal centers (PTGC) is mostly a disease of young adults and it presents as unexplained, asymptomatic, localized or generalized lymphadenopathy that is usually persistent or recurrent over a period of many years. PTGCs are larger than regular germinal centers and they contain a variable proportion of small mantle zone lymphocytes and so they become progressively transformed and they may result in the loss of clear demarcation between them and the mantle zone. PTGC may resemble the nodules of nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin's disease (NLPHD) and it may be mistaken for NLPHD. Histological and immunohistochemical studies are helpful in differentiating these diseases. Because of the relatively frequent recurrences of PTGC, follow-up and repeat biopsy are indicated. Although PTGC is not considered to be a premalignant condition, PTGC may occur prior to, concurrent with or following NLPHD. This emphasizes the need for ongoing follow-up and repeat biopsy. Although PTGC is reported in 3.5% to 10% of the cases of chronic nonspecific lymphadenopathy, oral & maxillofacial surgeons are not widely aware of this condition and its clinical implications. Herein, we present a case of PTGC. A 24-year-old male without any history of immunodeficiency or autoimmune disease was admitted to the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial surgery at Ulsan University Hospital for evaluation of a right submandibular swelling. He had another mass on the right thigh that was noticed about 1 year ago. The submandibular lesion was completely resected and biopsied. The histological findings and immunohistochemical stains (CD3, CD15, CD20, CD30, CD57, BCL-2, EMA) were consistent with PTGC. He was followed up without any other complaints for 9 months.

Keyword

Progressive transformation of germinal centers

MeSH Terms

Autoimmune Diseases
Biopsy
Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
Coloring Agents
Follow-Up Studies
Germinal Center
Hodgkin Disease
Humans
Lymphatic Diseases
Lymphocytes
Lymphoma
Male
Recurrence
Surgery, Oral
Thigh
Young Adult
Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
Coloring Agents
Lymphoma
Full Text Links
  • JKAMPRS
Actions
Cited
CITED
export Copy
Close
Share
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
Similar articles
Copyright © 2024 by Korean Association of Medical Journal Editors. All rights reserved.     E-mail: koreamed@kamje.or.kr