Progressive transformation of germinal centres

Progressive transformation of germinal centres is a reactive lymph node process of undetermined cause.

Signs and symptoms

PTGC is usually characterized by localized lymphadenopathy and is otherwise typically asymptomatic.

Diagnosis

PTGC is diagnosed by surgical excision of the affected lymph node, and examination by a pathologist. The differential diagnosis includes non-neoplastic causes of lymphadenopathy and malignancy, i.e. cancer.

Microscopic appearance

PTGCs is characterized by:

follicular hyperplasia,
focally large germinal centres, with poorly demarcated germinal centre /mantle zone interfaces, and
an expanded mantle zone.

Treatment

PTGC is treated by excisional biopsy and follow-up. It may occasionally recur and a small proportion of patients have been reported to subsequently develop nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma.