OBJECTIVETo improve the understanding of progressive transformation of lymph node germinal centers (PTGC) and to explore its clinical, histopathologic and immunohistochemical features and the differential diagnosis between the related disease of germinal center hyperplasia.

METHODSThe clinical manifestation, laboratory bindings, treatment and outcome of a patient with PTGC were presented.

RESULTSThe main manifestation of the patient was painless peripheral lymphadenopathy. Histopathologic examination of an axillary lymph node showed reactive follicular hyperplasia and the progressive transformation changes germinal centers. The borderline between the germinal center and the mantle layer was obscured. The cells in the progressive transforming germinal centers were positive for CD20(+), CD5(+), CDw75(+).

CONCLUSIONPTGC is a rare lymphoid disorder. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry are important basis of the diagnosis.