Korean J Pathol.  2011 Aug;45(4):417-422.

Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Associated with Chronic Inflammation Manifested as a Soft Tissue Mass: Incidental Discovery on Histological Examination

• Ha SY
• Choi YL
• Kim SJ
• Ko YH

Abstract

We report an extraordinary case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma arising in a cystic necrotic mass in a 35-year-old man who presented with a soft tissue mass at the site of previous surgery. A benign mass was surgically removed 17 years ago, after which a cystic lesion gradually developed at the same site. The resected mass appeared as a thick-walled cyst filled with brown necrotic and hemorrhagic material. On microscopic examination, the cyst wall was primarily necrotic tissue with some aggregates of large atypical lymphoid cells. These atypical cells were diffusely positive for CD20 and showed a high proliferation index, Epstein-Barr virus positivity, and clonal rearrangement of the immunoglobulin gene. His present condition was diagnosed as Epstein-Barr virus-associated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma arising from chronic inflammation. It is important to be aware of the clinical manifestations and histological features of this rare disease in light of diagnosis and treatment.

Keyword

Lymphoma, large B-cell, diffuse; Inflammation; Epstein-Barr virus infections

MeSH Terms

Adult
B-Lymphocytes
Epstein-Barr Virus Infections
Genes, Immunoglobulin
Herpesvirus 4, Human
Humans
Incidental Findings
Inflammation
Light
Lymphocytes
Lymphoma, B-Cell
Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse
Rare Diseases