lymphocytedominated

Lymphocyte-dominated is an adjective used in pathology to describe a tissue or lesion in which lymphocytes are the predominant inflammatory cell type. In such samples, the proportion of lymphocytes exceeds that of other leukocytes such as neutrophils, eosinophils, and histiocytes, and the pattern may be described as lymphocytic or lymphoid-predominant infiltration.

It is a descriptive finding rather than a diagnosis. Lymphocyte predominance can occur in settings of chronic inflammation, viral infections, autoimmune reactions, and certain neoplasms with lymphoid involvement. It is commonly observed in tissue biopsies from skin, liver, lung, salivary glands, and within some tumors where lymphocytes colonize the stroma or tumor margins.

Assessment is typically based on light microscopy of Hematoxylin and Eosin stained sections. Immunohistochemistry or flow cytometry may be used to characterize lymphocyte subtypes (for example, CD3 for T cells and CD20 for B cells) and to evaluate clonality when lymphoma is a consideration.

Interpretation requires clinical context. A lymphocyte-dominated infiltrate may reflect a viral infection, chronic inflammatory process, or autoimmune disease, but can also be associated with lymphoproliferative disorders. The finding should be integrated with morphology, distribution, and ancillary studies to guide diagnosis and management.

Related concepts include lymphocytic infiltration and chronic inflammation.