How I approach: The workup and management of patients with progressive transformation of the germinal center

Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2022 Aug;69(8):e29638. doi: 10.1002/pbc.29638. Epub 2022 Mar 16.

Abstract

Progressive transformation of the germinal center (PTGC) is a common and underrecognized cause of pediatric lymphadenopathy. PTGC may be associated with numerous systemic medical conditions that require further workup and management, including malignancy, autoimmune conditions, lymphoproliferative conditions, immunodeficiency, and infection. Given the breadth and rarity of the associated conditions, workup should be tailored to the individual patient and occur in a tiered approach. Patients with PTGC require ongoing follow-up, given their long-term risk of malignancy and recurrent PTGC.

Keywords: Hodgkin lymphoma; anatomic pathology; lymphadenopathy; progressive transformation of the germinal center.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / pathology
  • Child
  • Germinal Center / pathology
  • Hodgkin Disease* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma* / pathology

Supplementary concepts

  • Progressive Transformation of Germinal Centers