:In equine lymphoma, neoplastic cells are not always present, but when they are this may allow diagnosis.
:In equine lymphoma, neoplastic cells are not always present, but when they are this may allow diagnosis.
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:A sample of pleural or peritoneal fluid may be taken and examined cytologically if it is present. Otherwise a direct fine needle aspirate of the mass of lymph nodes may be performed. Any fluid sampled should be a modified transudate and contain a mixed cell population. Neoplastic lymphocytes are pleomorphic round cells that demonstrate anisocytosis and anisokaryosis and have very basophilic cytoplasm. If these cells are present then the diagnosis of lymphoma can be confirmed, otherwise surgical biopsy may be necessary.