title: Lymphoproliferative conditions of the serosa.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A diverse and complex variety of lymphoproliferative diseases may involve the serosa, with widely differing clinical outcomes encompassing a spectrum of benign and malignant conditions.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To review lymphoproliferative disease involving the serosa and to provide a practical approach to the evaluation of lymphoid and plasma cell infiltrates in the serosa, together with a review of various tumors and tumorlike conditions that may mimic lymphoproliferative disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  Analysis of published literature.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  All forms of hematologic malignancy may involve the various serosal sites, although this is usually observed as secondary involvement in persons with known lymph nodal, marrow-based, or extranodal disease. Primary pericardial, pleural, and peritoneal lymphomas are rare; many nonneoplastic conditions may mimic lymphoma and a variety of nonhematolymphoid tumors may simulate hematologic malignancies. An understanding of the role of ancillary tests, together with an appreciation of their limitations, will prevent misdiagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Histopathology, University Hospital Llandough, Cardiff, United Kingdom. richard.attanoos@wales.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Attanoos
mesh_terms: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008221:Lymphoid Tissue / Q000473:pathology*; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism; D008232:Lymphoproliferative Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism; D010950:Plasma Cells / Q000473:pathology*; D010997:Pleural Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism; D012704:Serous Membrane / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor