Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is an uncommon large cell lymphoma, usually seen in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients.

PEL is characterized by various clinical, histomorphologic, and immunophenotypical features, and is associated with the human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8).

PEL may present as either a body cavity-based lymphomatous effusion or a solid tumor mass. Most so-called "solid PEL" usually have an extranodal location; exceptionally rarely, they occur in lymph nodes.

The majority of PEL consist of malignant cells of B-cell genotype; seldom they are of T-cell origin.

Localization

 serous cavities
 lymph node (solid PEL) (#15832089#)

Differential diagnosis

 anaplastic large cell lymphoma (#15105661#)