• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.34-38
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• 2015

Progressive transformation of germinal centers(PTGC) is a rare benign lymph node enlargement characterized by chronic lymphadenopathy and the presence of germinal centers with fused and expanded mantles within a lymph node that are 3-5 times the size of a typical reactive follicle. Although PTGC is reported in 3.5-10% of chronic lymphadenopathy, head and neck surgeons do not often experience this condition and its clinical implications. Althoug PTGC is benign disease, it could not be excluded the association with other malignant lymphoid diseases. Therefore, periodic follow up of PTGC patient could be required. We report two cases at this study ; a 16 years old man who visited out-patient clinic due to palpable mass of right cervical area, several months ago, and a 35 years old man who visited out-patient clinic for evaluating right cervical mass. Both of two patients were diagnosed with PTGC. In this study, we focus on the clinic-pathologic features of this uncommon disease along with other literature reviews.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.56-60
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• 2017

Progressive transformation of germinal centers (PTGC) is an atypical feature seen in lymph nodes with unknown pathogenesis. PTGC most commonly presents in adolescent and young adult males as solitary painless lymphadenopathy with various durations. Cervical nodes are the most commonly involved ones while involvements of axillary and inguinal nodes are less frequent. PTGC develops extremely rarely in other locations. We report a rare case of solitary mass present in the presacral space. The mass as subsequently proven to be PTGC. To the best of our knowledge, PTGC in the presacral space has not been previously reported in the literature.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.368-372
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• 2011

Progressive transformation of germinal centers (PTGC) is mostly a disease of young adults and it presents as unexplained, asymptomatic, localized or generalized lymphadenopathy that is usually persistent or recurrent over a period of many years. PTGCs are larger than regular germinal centers and they contain a variable proportion of small mantle zone lymphocytes and so they become progressively transformed and they may result in the loss of clear demarcation between them and the mantle zone. PTGC may resemble the nodules of nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin's disease (NLPHD) and it may be mistaken for NLPHD. Histological and immunohistochemical studies are helpful in differentiating these diseases. Because of the relatively frequent recurrences of PTGC, follow-up and repeat biopsy are indicated. Although PTGC is not considered to be a premalignant condition, PTGC may occur prior to, concurrent with or following NLPHD. This emphasizes the need for ongoing follow-up and repeat biopsy. Although PTGC is reported in 3.5% to 10% of the cases of chronic nonspecific lymphadenopathy, oral & maxillofacial surgeons are not widely aware of this condition and its clinical implications. Herein, we present a case of PTGC. A 24-year-old male without any history of immunodeficiency or autoimmune disease was admitted to the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial surgery at Ulsan University Hospital for evaluation of a right submandibular swelling. He had another mass on the right thigh that was noticed about 1 year ago. The submandibular lesion was completely resected and biopsied. The histological findings and immunohistochemical stains (CD3, CD15, CD20, CD30, CD57, BCL-2, EMA) were consistent with PTGC. He was followed up without any other complaints for 9 months.