What distinguishes lymphoma from normal lymphatic tissue?

Lymphoma is characterized by the abnormal proliferation of lymphoid tissue, which can often be distinguished from normal lymphatic tissue by the presence of a predominance of lymphoblasts and a high number of mitotic figures. This indicates a more aggressive and uncontrolled growth pattern typical of lymphoma, as lymphoblasts are immature lymphoid cells associated with neoplastic processes.

In contrast, normal lymphatic tissue consists mainly of mature lymphocytes, which are fully developed immune cells responsible for the body's adaptive immune response. The typical architecture of lymphoid tissues would not display the same increase in lymphoblasts or mitotic activity seen in lymphoma. Therefore, the presence of lymphoblasts and frequent mitotic figures serves as a significant indicator of lymphoma rather than the benign or normal architecture found in healthy lymphatic tissues.

Other features, like the presence of plasma cells or the absence of macrophages, do not distinctly categorize lymphoma, as plasma cells can be present in normal immune responses and macrophages are usually part of healthy lymphoid tissue. Thus, the distinction lies primarily in the early-stage cell types and their proliferation patterns, highlighting the abnormal nature of lymphoma.