[Clinicopathologic study on reactive hyperplasia of lymph nodes in maxillofacial regions].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinicopathologic features of reactive hyperplasia of lymph nodes in maxillofacial regions. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with lymph node reactive hyperplasia (LRH) were analyzed clinicopathologically including pathomorphologic manifestation and immunohistochemical expression. RESULTS: Histopathology of 32 patients showed significant hyperplasia in folliculus lymphaticus, marginal zone lymph, paracortical area lymph, and seldom mixed hyperplasia. Immunohistochemical study showed that the hyperplastic lymphocytes were mainly composed of CD20 positive B cells positive in 23 cases(72%), CD3 positive T cell in 7 cases (22%), CD20 positive T cell and CD3 positive B cell partially as well as histiocytes in 2 cases (6%). Atypical hyperplasia was found in 10 cases. CONCLUSION: Hyperplastic lymphocytes in LRH of maxillofacial regions are mainly composed of B cells. Malignant transformation may occur in these patients with atypical hyperplasia. Regularity follow up is necessary for these patients.