Waldeyer's Lymphatic Ring

The Waldeyer lymphatic ring, or lymphoblastic tumor center, is a region of tissue in a lymph node that mediates processes associated with the transfer and proliferation of malignant lymphocytes. This ring includes three separate layers:

-1. The central zone consists of large lymphatic cells called B cells, which are responsible for producing antibodies. The inner part of the ring consists of very large cells that produce cytokines, molecules that play an important role in the immune system. -2. The middle zone contains small lymphocytes called T cells. These cells are divided into two groups: killer cells (effectors) and suppressor cells, which reduce the activity of B cells and stop the proliferation of malignant cell lines. -3. The outer zone consists of surrounding tissues and a reticulin mesh, which increases blood circulation in the area of ​​the lymphatic ring.

How does lymphoma develop?

Typically, normal B cells become malignant under the influence of viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus, HIV, cytomegalovirus, and human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8). Once they become infected with this virus, they can continue to grow and divide without stopping at a certain number of cells. This process causes the tumor to begin to fill the tissue, causing the lymph node to become enlarged.