Prev
CV Menu
PathWeb Home
©
Feed Back
About
Next
Lymphoma
Etiology

Unknown
Pathogenesis

Theoretically, the result of a mutated neoplastic lymphocyte proliferating as a clone; some are associated with specific translocations.
Possible occurrence in immunosuppressed persons.,
Epidemiology

The heart is involved by metastatic cancers and lymphomas in 5-10% of cases.
Primary lymphomas of the heart (without involvement of lymph nodes or other organs) are rare.
General Gross Description

May involve any and all layers of the heart and any and all chambers of the heart.
A mass thickening or distortion of the shape of involved anatomy.
The cut surface appears either white or shades of gray to light tan, depending on cytological features.
Tumor cells with sparse cytoplasm appear white; other shades vary with amount and features of cytoplasm.
•Examples:
Malignant Lymphoma Invading Visceral Pericardium
General Microscopic Description

The histology is that of the spectrum of Hodgkins disease and non-Hodgkins lymphomas.
•Examples:
Clinical Correlation

Arrhythmias are the most common sign of cardiac involvement, as with any metastatic cancers.
Visceral and/or parietal pericardial involvement cause effusions which are usually hemorrhagic.
Impaired cardiac output possible due to restrictive myocardial infiltration.
Mass lesions causing obstruction of blood flow are rare.
References

Cotran RS, Kumar V, Robbins SL: Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease. 5th edition. Philadelphia, W.B. Saunders, 1994, pp. 569-571 and 633-666.

Search Medline at National Library of Medicine
Please be patient during transfer. Medline will open in a new window. To return, close the Medline Window
Lymphoma
Synopsis by: J. Hasson, MD (T31000M95903)[300]
Prev
PathWeb Home
©
Feed Back
About
Next