Lymphoma Pathophysiology

Hodgkin Lymphoma

100

Characteristic cells in Hodgkin lymphoma

Hodgkin Reed-Sternberg Cells (binucleated, owl eyes, I couldn't upload a picture without a paywall but use your imagination and memory)

200

Source of B symptoms in Hodgkin Lymphoma

Dysregulation of HRS pathways (example: NF KappaB ) → Cytokine release (TNFa, IL-6, GM-CSF) → inflammation and fever (prostglandins), night sweats, and changes metabolism (weight loss)

300

Reason for Lymphadenopathy

Increased T-cell recruitment to lymph nodes = expansion of lymph node

400

Spread of lymphadenopathy: contiguous or non-contiguous

Contiguous, typically lymph nodes “in order” upper body

500

Strange symptoms associated

Pruritus (itchiness) and alcohol-induced stomach pain

Non Hodgkin Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma

100

Characteristic cells

Sheet of misregulated, monoclonal B cells

200

Reason for Lymphadenopathy

Rapid proliferation of B cells replicate in germinal centers, overtaking lymph node

300

Spread of lymphadenopathy: contiguous or non-contiguous?

Non-Contiguous, typically other lymph nodes or in extra-nodal areas, like GI tract, that causes symptoms

400

Typical patient age

Older adults (55+)

500

Source of B symptoms

Similar cytokine release (TNFa, IL-6, GM-CSF) → inflammation and fever (prostglandins), night sweats, and changes metabolism (weight loss) BUT also depends more on tumor burden