Plasmablastic Lymphoma of the Cervical Lymph Nodes in a Human Immunodeficiency Virus–Negative Patient: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

We report a case of plasmablastic lymphoma presenting in cervical lymph nodes in an 82-year-old, human immunodeficiency virus-negative man. Cytologic and histologic examinations demonstrated a large cell lymphoma with plasmacytic differentiation. The tumor cells were positive for CD138, CD38, epithelial membrane antigen, CD30, and lysozyme, but lacked expression of leukocyte common antigen, T-cell, and B-cell markers. Abundant Epstein-Barr virus-encoded RNA transcripts were identified by in situ hybridization. A monoclonal rearrangement of kappa-light- chain gene was demonstrated. The cytologic, histologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular features of plasmablastic lymphoma are reviewed. The potential diagnostic pitfalls and differential diagnoses, especially in a fine-needle aspiration specimen, are addressed.