Staging takes into account the number of lymph nodes and areas and whether they are on one side of the diaphragm or both, as well as the presence of disseminated disease. Grading according to the World Health Organization (WHO) system depends on centroblasts, of which a higher number indicates more aggressive disease. Histologic findings can be confusing and should be evaluated by specialist pathologists; by definition, a diagnosis requires a follicular or nodular pattern.
The lung is not a typical initial location of disseminated disease.
Most patients already have splenic and bone marrow involvement upon presentation, though they can expect to live up to a decade or more. Poor prognosis is associated with transformation to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
According to the 2016 WHO classification, there are three distinct variants of follicular lymphoma, of which one is termed "pediatric-type follicular lymphoma." This type can also occur in adults, typically shows up in cervical lymph nodes or tonsils, and has an excellent prognosis.
Learn more about the staging and grading of follicular lymphoma.
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Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.
Cite this: Emmanuel C. Besa. Fast Five Quiz: Follicular Lymphoma - Medscape - Jan 05, 2021.
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