Which of the following is positive in Follicular lymphoma?
**Core Concept**
Follicular lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by the presence of specific genetic abnormalities. The disease is often associated with the t(14;18) chromosomal translocation, which involves the BCL2 gene and the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene. This translocation leads to the overexpression of the anti-apoptotic protein BCL2.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The BCL2 gene is a key regulator of apoptosis, and its overexpression in follicular lymphoma disrupts normal cell death pathways. The t(14;18) translocation creates a fusion gene that results in the continuous expression of BCL2, contributing to the accumulation of malignant B cells. This is a hallmark of follicular lymphoma and is used as a diagnostic marker.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because it is not a specific genetic abnormality associated with follicular lymphoma. While certain genetic alterations can contribute to the development of lymphoma, they are not diagnostic hallmarks.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because it is more commonly associated with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, another type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. While BCL2 can be overexpressed in various forms of lymphoma, it is not the defining characteristic of follicular lymphoma.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because it is not a specific genetic abnormality associated with follicular lymphoma. While certain genetic mutations can contribute to the development of lymphoma, they are not diagnostic hallmarks.
**Option D:** This option is incorrect because it is not a specific genetic abnormality associated with follicular lymphoma. While certain genetic alterations can contribute to the development of lymphoma, they are not diagnostic hallmarks.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The t(14;18) translocation is a diagnostic hallmark of follicular lymphoma, and its presence can be detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This genetic abnormality is a critical factor in the diagnosis and management of follicular lymphoma.
**Correct Answer:** B. BCL2