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Primary effusion lymphoma
Pronunciation
Definition 1
A rare, aggressive (fast-growing) type of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma marked by an abnormal build-up of fluids in a body cavity. It usually occurs together with a human herpesvirus in people who have weakened immune systems, such as in AIDS. (NCI Dictionary)
Definition 2
An aggressive non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma composed of large cells, presenting as a serous effusion without detectable tumor masses. It is universally associated with human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8)/Kaposi sarcoma herpes virus (KSHV) [HHV-8/KSHV]. It mostly occurs in the setting of immunodeficiency; most cases have been reported in HIV positive patients. The most common sites of involvement are the pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal cavities. The prognosis is extremely unfavorable. (NCI Thesaurus)