Primary Effusion Lymphoma : Morphology

Comments:
Morphology: Neoplastic cells in primary effusion lymphomas (PEL) can resemble anaplastic large cell lymphoma, immunoblastic lymphoma, or plasmablastic lymphoma. They have abundant basophilic or amphophilic cytoplasm and large, irregular, polypoid or multilobated nuclei with prominent nucleoli. Reed-Sternberg-like cells may be present. Mitotic activity is brisk.

This cytocentrifuge specimen is from a 35 y/o male with pleural effusion. Diagnosis: primary effusion lymphoma.

Image courtesy of: Mauro Saieg, MD, PhD; Sao Paulo, Brazil; used with permission.