Master Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma with Picmonic for Medicine

Diffuse large cell lymphoma is the most common non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in the United States. This lymphoma usually occurs in older adults with a median patient age of 60 but approximately 20% of these neoplasms occur in children as well. Diffuse large cell lymphomas are most commonly of B cell origin and are derived from the germinal center. The mature B cell tumors express CD 19 and CD20 markers and demonstrate variable expression of germinal center markers including CD 10 and BCDL6. However, approximately 20% of diffuse large cell lymphomas are of T cell origin. Clinically, patients with this form of lymphoma present with advanced disease with extranodal involvement. It can arise virtually anywhere in the body and primary or secondary involvement of the liver and spleen can cause the formation of large isolated masses. Common extranodal sites include the gastrointestinal tract, brain, skin, and bone. Histologically, these tumor cells are relatively large in size, often measuring four to five times the diameter of a small lymphocyte and have a diffuse pattern of growth. These tumors are aggressive tumors and are typically rapidly fatal without treatment.