Histologic features:
(1) diffuse to vaguely nodular growth pattern
(2) composed mostly of T cells and histiocytes
(3) scattered large, neoplastic B cells are a minor component (< 10%)
(4) reactive B cells are absent to few
Features of the large, neoplastic B cells:
(1) occur singly or in small groups
(2) may show a highly variable morphology
(4) show clonality on immunohistologic or molecular methods
(5) negative for CD15 amd CD30 (Hodgkin's disease markers)
Clinical features:
(1) many patients are from 50-70 years in age
(2) usually presents with an advanced clinical stage
(3) usually involves lymph nodes but occasionally may be extranodal
(4) often pursues a aggressive course