Human regional tumour lymph nodes: alterations of micro-architecture and lymphocyte subpopulations

Abstract

Summary.-Axillary lymph nodes draining mammary carcinoma showed an alteration of both micro-architecture and lymphocyte subpopulations. Lymph nodes with a normal or increased T and/or B lymphocyte compartment (assessed by histology) had a low incidence of nodal tumour spread, whilst hypocellularity of the T-or Blymphocyte-dependent areas was associated with a significant increase in metastatic invasion. Tumour-draining lymph nodes, in particular the more proximal ones, were often enlarged, spherical and tense due to an increased cellular content, predominantly B lymphocytes and their various subsets. The increased number and percentage of B lymphocytes was associated with follicular hyperplasia and prominent germinal centres. Lymph nodes with a prominent paracortex tended to have a higher ratio of T to B lymphocytes than nodes with a hypocellular paracortical area, but in many instances both the T-and B-lymphocyte-dependent areas were increased. There was no correlation between a particular axillary-node lymphocyte subpopulation pattern (assessed by surface markers) and the size, degree of necrosis, inflammatory infiltrate or histologic type of breast carcinoma, or the presence of metastatic node invasion.

The Multifaceted Effects of Breast Cancer on Tumor-Draining Lymph Nodes

“…Although little is known about follicular DCs in TDLNs, it has been known for several decades that B cells accumulate in breast TDLNs. 21 However, their role in the immune response to BC remains controversial. B cells have the capacity to play a critical role in anti-breast tumor immunity through their ability to present antigen and produce cytokines that shape T cell activation and differentiation.…”

To Count and How to Count, That Is the Question

“…LNs draining tumor sites have demonstrated a variety of different structural changes. [30][31][32] Despite these patient-related factors, it is likely that at least in some cases, an insufficient LN yield may be due to "pathologist factors." Previous literature has focused largely on the prosector's diligence and skill in harvesting LNs.…”

Tumour-associated proliferative responses in vitro of regional lymph nodes draining solid cancers in man

“…It is well documented in man that regional tumour-draining lymph nodes undergo an alteration in microarchitecture with an expansion of both the T and B lymphocyte compartments [4]. Whether these changes reflect a tumourspecific proliferative response of lymphocytes is still uncertain.…”