Unusual alveolar pattern in node based diffuse large b-cell lymphoma

Diffuse large b-cell lymphoma (dlbcl) is the most common subtype of non-hodgkin's lymphoma worldwide. we present a case of 45 year old male patient presenting with swelling in right side of the neck since 6 months. a cytological aspirate of the lymph node suggested possibility of malignancy and excision biopsy was advised. histopathology revealed a well-developed alveolar pattern with nests of dyscohesive large round tumour cells separated by delicate fibrovascular septae. tumour cells were positive for cd45,cd20 and bcl-6 and negative for cd3,cd 5,cd 10,bcl-2,desmin,chromogranin,synaptophysin and s-100. based on histopathology and immunohistochemical findings,final diagnosis of dlbcl,nos was given. the case is presented to highlight an unusual morphological alveolar growth pattern in dlbcl. © journal of krishna institute of medical sciences university.