Follicle center lymphoma involving the female genital tract: a morphologic and molecular genetic study of three cases.

Primary female reproductive system lymphomas are distinctly uncommon, and are defined as lymphomas that present primarily as gynecologic tumors. We describe 3 cases which presented in this location, 1 primary ovarian disease and 2 others presenting the initial manifestations of disseminated lymphoma. Clinical history, follow-up information, and paraffin embedded archival tissue were available for all 3 cases. A panel of immunoperoxidase studies and molecular genetic studies were performed for each case. The primary ovarian follicle center lymphoma was a grade III/III (large cell) while the cases representing secondary involvement were grade I/III (small cell). Immunohistochemistry demonstrated reactivity of the malignant cells in each case with CD20 and bcl-2. In the grade I/III cases the cells were immunoreactive for CD45RA and CD10. Molecular genetic analysis demonstrated the t(14;18) translocation in the case of primary ovarian follicle center lymphoma. Follicle center lymphoma uncommonly presents in the female genital system, and may rarely be primary to this site. Immunoperoxidase and molecular studies in concert with the morphology are invaluable in rendering a correct diagnosis and ensuring correct treatment of the patient.