What is defined as any neoplastic disease of lymphoid tissue?

Neoplastic diseases of lymphoid tissue are characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells that are part of the lymphatic system, which includes lymph nodes, the spleen, and various lymphoid tissues. Lymphoma is a term used to describe these types of cancer, which can be classified into several types, including Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Lymphoma arises from either B-cells or T-cells, both of which are essential components of the immune system. These cancers manifest in lymph nodes and other lymphoid tissues, disrupting normal bodily functions and immune response. The term “neoplastic” specifically indicates that these diseases involve malignancy or tumors resulting from abnormal cell proliferation.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe neoplastic conditions of lymphoid tissue. Lymphangitis refers to inflammation of the lymphatic vessels, lymphedema is a condition resulting from the accumulation of lymphatic fluid due to obstruction, and thymitis is the inflammation of the thymus gland, which is a specific lymphoid organ but does not encompass the broader category of neoplastic diseases associated with lymphoid tissues. Therefore, lymphoma is the correct term that encompasses any neoplastic disease of lymphoid origin.