B-cell lymphomas arise from different stages of differentiation of B-cells and constitute a broad spectrum, extending from small- to large-cell types, and from low to high grades of clinical behavior. It has undergone several terminologies and classifications. Because of the diverse terminology that is used in the multiple classifications of lymphomas, there have been attempts to develop uniform pathologic descriptions with clinical usefulness. The current WHO classification uses morphologic, immunophenotypic, genotypic, and clinical features to classify the lymphoid neoplasms into five broad categories as precursor B-cell neoplasms, peripheral B-cell neoplasms, precursor T-cell neoplasms, peripheral T-cell neoplasms and Hodgkin lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma though originates from B-cell has distinctive pathologic features and is treated as a separate entity. This chapter discusses about the etiology and pathogenesis, clinical features, recent WHO classification of B-cell lymphoma (2016), the highlights of modifications brought in, the morphology, immunophenotype, staging, treatment and prognosis of various B-cell lymphomas.
Part of the book: Normal and Malignant B-Cell