Which statement best describes lymphoblastic lymphoma?

• A. A rare variant of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that largely originates from T cells
• B. A form of NHL that predominantly originates from B cells
• C. A form of lymphoma that is always confined to lymph nodes
• D. A benign lymphoid condition unrelated to NHL

Answer: (A)

Lymphoblastic lymphoma is a high-grade form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma made up of lymphoblasts. In most cases, these lymphoblasts come from T cells, especially in younger patients, which is why this lymphoma is described as arising largely from T-lineage cells. It’s an aggressive disease that often presents with a mediastinal mass and can involve other extranodal sites, not just lymph nodes. It’s part of the NHL spectrum and is distinct from benign lymphoid conditions. While B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma can occur, the tendency for T-cell origin makes the statement describing it as a rare NHL variant that largely originates from T cells the best fit.