Lymphomas Involving the Thymus

Definition

A small number of lymphomas appear to have a propensity to arise in or involve the thymus

Follow links for full description of types of lymphoma
B lineage
- Mediastinal large B cell lymphoma
  - Sclerosis may obscure the diagnosis
- Extranodal marginal zone lymphoma
  - Rare
  - May be associated with cyst formation
  - Frequently associated with autoimmune disorders
T lineage
- Precursor T lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma
  - Phenotype is identical to normal cortex and to thymomas
Hodgkin lymphoma
- Nodular sclerosing type is most common
- Frequently associated with cyst formation

Robert V Rouse MD
Department of Pathology
Stanford University School of Medicine
Stanford CA 94305-5342

Original posting/updates: 9/24/10