Because they are relatively uncommon, lymph node based peripheral T cell lymphomas present a considerable diagnostic challenge to the practicing pathologist. These tumors have a morphologic spectrum that overlaps considerably with reactive lymphoid hyperplasia, B cell lymphomas and Hodgkin lymphoma. This practically oriented course will focus on the major categories of lymph node based peripheral T cell lymphomas recognized by the World Health Organization Classification of Tumors of Lymphoid Tissues: angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma, anaplastic large cell lymphoma and peripheral T cell lymphoma, unclassified, adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma. Diagnostic strategies for approaching T cell neoplasms using a combined clinical, morphologic, immunophenotypic and genetic approach will be discussed. The morphologic diversity of peripheral T cell lymphomas and the diagnostic criteria for the benign and malignant processes in the differential diagnosis of T cell lymphoma will be presented.

The course will be constructed as a general introduction followed by a series of case presentations. It is intended for pathologists in training, practicing general pathologists and subspecialists in hematopathology. At the completion of the course the participants will: 1) be able to utilize a rational, cost-effective strategy combining morphologic, phenotype, and genetic data to approach T cell malignancies, 2) be able to accurately diagnose lymph node based peripheral T cell lymphomas and distinguish them from reactive processes, 3) understand the clinical implications of the diagnoses and 4) understand the biologic aspects of T cell immune reactions, angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma, anaplastic large cell lymphoma and peripheral T cell lymphoma, unclassified, and adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma. Pre-registrants will receive a website address where they can view course material in advance. Course participants will receive a detailed syllabus and bibliography at the meeting and a CD-ROM containing pertinent course material, including images of the presented cases and the other entities discussed in the course will be mailed after the meeting.

(Last Scheduled Presentation) This course may be used for CME credits or SAM's credits.