Microscopic lesions in the adult form (lymphocytic) can be seen by undertaking biopsy of peripheral lymph nodes. These will reveal effacement of the normal lymph node architecture by an infiltrate of small non-cleaved lymphocytes which breach the capsule and reach into the surrounding tissue. There may also be "tingible" (found in lymph nodes) macrophages scattered throughout the node. Neoplastic infiltrates can also be found in the portal areas of the liver. In the juvenile form (lymphoblastic), the examination of visceral organs will reveal effacement of any normal architecture by a monomorphic population of large cleaved and non-cleaved lymphoblasts. In the liver neoplastic cells can often be seen as discrete nodules. | Microscopic lesions in the adult form (lymphocytic) can be seen by undertaking biopsy of peripheral lymph nodes. These will reveal effacement of the normal lymph node architecture by an infiltrate of small non-cleaved lymphocytes which breach the capsule and reach into the surrounding tissue. There may also be "tingible" (found in lymph nodes) macrophages scattered throughout the node. Neoplastic infiltrates can also be found in the portal areas of the liver. In the juvenile form (lymphoblastic), the examination of visceral organs will reveal effacement of any normal architecture by a monomorphic population of large cleaved and non-cleaved lymphoblasts. In the liver neoplastic cells can often be seen as discrete nodules. |