Diffuse large cell lymphoma of B-cell type associated with reactive hemophagocytosis

Some lymphomas, virtually all phenotypically of the T-cell type, have been associated with the phenomenon of hemophagocytosis. Only two B-cell lymphomas, one T-cell-rich and the other an angiocentric lymphoma, have been observed to exhibit this phenomenon. A case is reported of a diffuse large cell lymphoma of the B-cell type associated with reactive hemophagocytosis. Cytokines or other humoral factors produced by the lymphoma are a possible cause, and their effect is probably systemic. There is some evidence suggesting correlation of hemophagocytosis with tumor aggressiveness.