Lymphomas of the head and neck 2; the B-cell lymphomas

Abstract Primary lymphoma of the head and neck can be a confusing subject if the diseases are forced into the classifications and concepts derived from nodal disease. Once it is realised that the morphology and pathogenesis of the extranodal group are related more to the mucosa associated lymphoid tissue, the behaviour of these tumours is more easily understood. EBV plays a significant role in many of the diseases including Burkitt's lymphoma and nasofacial T-cell lymphoma.