Cytologic Mimics of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in the Head and Neck

A myriad of non-lymphoid small ‘rounded cell’ malignancies can present as apparent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in head/neck fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy specimens. Included in this category are HPV-related neoplasms which may mimic NHL, particularly when they metastasize to lymph nodes. Due to the nondescript cytomorphology of these malignant small ‘rounded’ cells, ancillary testing, particularly immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of a cell-block is often critical for a specific diagnosis.
Source: Seminars in Diagnostic Pathology - Category: Pathology Authors: Source Type: research