Lymphoid hyperplasia


Lymphoid hyperplasia is the rapid growth proliferation of normal cells that resemble lymph tissue.

Lymph node anatomy

A lymph node is small, capsulated lymphoid organ that is present along the lymphatic system. It is composed of cortex and medulla. The cortex is also divided into outer cortex and inner cortex. The outer cortex is composed of follicles of B cells so that it is called the B-cell zone. Similarly, the inner cortex has T cells and is called the T-cell zone.

Follicular hyperplasia

is a stimulation of the B cell compartment. It is caused by an abnormal proliferation of secondary follicles and occurs principally in the cortex without broaching the lymph node capsule. The follicles are cytologically polymorphous, are often polarized, and vary in size and shape. Follicular hyperplasia must be distinguished from follicular lymphoma.

Paracortical hyperplasia

Paracortical hyperplasia is the preferential stimulation of the T cell compartment. It is caused by an abnormal expansion of the interfollicular zones but is confined within the lymph node capsule. The population of the compartment is cytologically polymorphous. Paracortical hyperplasia may be accompanied by vascular proliferation. Must be distinguished from monomorphous T cell lymphoma.

Sinus hyperplasia

Sinus hyperplasia is the preferential stimulation of the histiocytic compartment. Histological features include distention or engorgement of both subscapular and inatraparenchymal sinuses by benign histiocytes which may be hemophagocytic. Sinus hyperplasia may be associated with non-hematolymphoid malignancy.
Other features include presence of white spaces and lymphocytes within sinuses.

Complications

It is one common source of appendicitis, as it may cause an obstruction of the appendiceal lumen, resulting in the subsequent filling of the appendix with mucus, causing it to distend and internal pressure to increase.