Mantle cell lymphoma: cyclin D1, CD5 and lymphomatous polyposis
- Lesion
A lymphoma of the B cells that ring the germinal centre. Cyclin D1 pushes them through the cell cycle; it is moderately aggressive.
What it is
Mantle cell lymphoma copies the naive B cells of the follicle mantle. Almost all cases carry t(11;14), which joins the cyclin D1 gene to the immunoglobulin heavy-chain locus and speeds the G1-to-S transition. It affects mainly older men, usually presents with generalized lymphadenopathy, marrow and blood involvement, and is the lymphoma most likely to spread along the bowel as many polyps.
Structure
- Node effaced diffusely or in vague nodules by small to medium lymphocytes with slightly irregular, notched nuclei.
- Tumour cells may surround residual reactive germinal centres (mantle zone pattern).
- No proliferation centres (unlike CLL) and no large-cell admixture.
Step by step
- A naive B cell acquires t(11;14), placing CCND1 next to the IGH enhancer.
- Overexpressed cyclin D1 activates CDK4/6, which inactivates RB and drives cells into S phase.
- Additional lesions (ATM, TP53) add genomic instability.
- The clone spreads to nodes, marrow, spleen, blood and gut mucosa.
Markers
- Cyclin D1
- SOX11
- CD5
- CD20
- CD23 negative
Clinical notes
- Older men with generalized lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly and often lymphocytosis.
- GI involvement can cause bleeding or obstruction from polyps.
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Which protein confirms mantle cell lymphoma on a biopsy?
Nuclear cyclin D1, the result of t(11;14).
How do you tell mantle cell lymphoma from CLL when both are CD5 positive?
Mantle cell lymphoma is cyclin D1 positive and CD23 negative; CLL is CD23 positive and cyclin D1 negative.
What is lymphomatous polyposis?
Multiple mucosal polyps of the small or large bowel formed by mantle cell lymphoma.
Elsewhere in DurgiPedia
Connections
Educational content on the mechanisms of disease; not a diagnostic or treatment guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version (National Cancer Institute (NCI), 2026).
Spotted a mistake?We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it.Report a mistake
Representative model, for educational purposes only.