Splenic small B-cell lymphoma with IGH/BCL3 translocation

Hum Pathol. 2006 Feb;37(2):218-30. doi: 10.1016/j.humpath.2005.09.025.

Abstract

Isolated chromosomal translocations are important defining features of many non-Hodgkin lymphomas, especially of B-cell type. In contrast to some other translocations, the significance of IGH/BCL3 translocations is not well defined. Although often considered a feature of the ill-defined entity atypical chronic lymphocytic leukemia, very few cases are reported in which involvement of BCL3 and the precise B-cell neoplasm are both well documented. For this reason, we report a splenic-based CD5(-), CD10(-), CD43(-), CD23(-), CD103(-), FMC7(+), CD25(+) small B-cell lymphoma associated with epithelioid histiocyte clusters and a t(14;19)(q32;q13) representing an IGH/BCL3 translocation based on classical cytogenetic studies, chromosomal painting, and fluorescence in situ hybridization studies. The previously reported neoplasms with t(14;19)(q32;q13) or IGH/BCL3 translocations are also reviewed. The present case did not fall into any of the classic B-cell lymphoma categories and clearly did not represent chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma. This case suggests that the IGH/BCL3 translocation may help to define a new clinicopathologic entity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • B-Cell Lymphoma 3 Protein
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 14*
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 19*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains / genetics*
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / genetics*
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / pathology
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics*
  • Spleen / pathology
  • Splenic Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Splenic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Transcription Factors
  • Translocation, Genetic / genetics*

Substances

  • B-Cell Lymphoma 3 Protein
  • BCL3 protein, human
  • Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Transcription Factors