Fine needle aspiration of lymphoproliferative disorders is controversial. Our course offers a practical, case based approach to the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disorders, which incorporates morphology, flow cytometry and molecular methods. We will emphasize the appropriate clinical setting to use FNA as well as its limitations. We will discuss specimen collection and slide preparation and review common artifacts. Specific topics we will cover include benign lymph nodes, Hodgkin lymphoma, B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (small lymphocytic lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma, large cell lymphoma), T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (anaplastic large cell lymphoma) and metastatic tumor mimics. We will focus on diagnostically challenging cases and common pitfalls. Corresponding histologic material will be reviewed in all cases. Sample collection and use of flow cytometry and molecular methods including antibody selection and cellularity requirements will be reviewed.

Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to: 1) determine when fine needle aspiration is appropriate for use in diagnosis of a lymphoproliferative disorder and its limitations 2) recognize the cytologic and histologic features of benign lymph nodes, Hodgkin lymphoma, B and T cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma and metastatic tumors mimicking lymphoma 3) discuss sample collection and triage for ancillary testing and 4) correlate clinical data, morphology and results of ancillary testing to arrive at a final diagnosis.

This course is designed for general pathologists and pathologists in training, as well as subspecialists in cytopathology and hematopathology. Participants in this course will receive a CD-ROM of representative case material as well as a course syllabus that includes PowerPoint slides and a comprehensive reference list.