Spontaneous B-cell lymphoma in the cranial mediastinal lymph node of an aged male C57BL/6J mouse

Abstract

B-cell lymphoma is generally observed in the spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, and Peyer’s patches in aged mice and rarely appears in other organs. Herein, we report a case of spontaneous B-cell lymphoma originating from the cranial mediastinal lymph node in a male 75-week-old C57BL/6J mouse. Macroscopically, a white mass was found at the base of the heart with no connection to the thymus. Microscopic examination revealed a solid proliferation of tumor cells with large nuclei at the center of the mass. Some macrophages, normal-sized lymphocytes, and lymphatic sinuses were found in both central and peripheral areas. Immunohistochemical analysis showed positive staining for cluster of differentiation 19, paired box protein 5, immunoglobulin M, and Ki-67 but not for cytokeratin AE1/AE3. These findings were not completely consistent with the established mouse lymphoma classification, leading to a diagnosis of B-cell lymphoma originating from the cranial mediastinal lymph node. This case report is the first to document a B-cell lymphoma in the cranial mediastinal lymph nodes in an aged C57BL/6J mouse model.