Understanding Lympho-Adenoma: A Rare Benign Tumor

Lympho-adenoma is a rare benign tumor that originates in the lymphoid tissue. It is a type of lymphatic neoplasm that usually affects the submandibular or cervical lymph nodes, but can also occur in other lymphoid tissues such as the spleen or gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT).

Lympho-adenomas are typically small, ranging in size from a few millimeters to a few centimeters, and they are usually solitary. They are composed of a mixture of lymphoid cells, including B cells, T cells, and follicular dendritic cells, which are arranged in a nodular or follicular pattern. The tumor cells are typically positive for CD20 and CD43, but negative for CD10 and bcl-2.

The exact cause of lympho-adenoma is not known, but it is believed to be related to genetic mutations that occur during fetal development or early childhood. The tumors usually grow slowly and may not cause any symptoms until they become large enough to compress surrounding tissues or obstruct the flow of lymph fluid. Treatment options for lympho-adenoma include surgical removal, radiation therapy, and observation.