2020–2021 BCSC Basic and Clinical Science Course™
8 External Disease and Cornea
Chapter 12: Clinical Approach to Neoplastic Disorders of the Conjunctiva and Cornea
Lymphatic and Lymphocytic Tumors
Lymphoid Hyperplasia
PATHOGENESIS
Formerly called reactive lymphoid hyperplasia, this benign-appearing accumulation of lymphocytes and other leukocytes may represent a low-grade B-cell lymphoma.
CLINICAL PRESENTATION
Lymphoid hyperplasia presents as a minimally elevated, salmon-colored subepithelial tumor with a pebbly appearance corresponding to follicle formation (Fig 12-15); it is clinically indistinguishable from conjunctival lymphoma. The lesion is often moderately or highly vascularized. Primary localized amyloidosis (discussed in Chapter 8) can have a similar appearance. Most patients with lymphoid hyperplasia are older than 40 years, although in rare instances, extranodal lymphoid hyperplasia has occurred in children.
MANAGEMENT
Lymphoid hyperplasia may resolve spontaneously, but these lesions have been treated with local excision, topical corticosteroids, or radiation. Biopsy specimens require special handling to complete many of the histochemical and immunologic studies. Fresh tissue is required for immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and gene rearrangement studies. Because systemic lymphoma could potentially develop in a patient with an apparently benign polyclonal lymphoid lesion, general medical consultation is advisable.
Excerpted from BCSC 2020-2021 series: Section 10 - Glaucoma. For more information and to purchase the entire series, please visit https://www.aao.org/bcsc.