How is lymphoma typically classified in small animals?

Lymphoma in small animals is primarily classified by the type of cell affected. This classification is fundamental because it helps determine the specific subtype of lymphoma, which in turn influences treatment decisions and prognostic outcomes. Lymphoma can arise from different cell lines, primarily B-cell or T-cell lymphocytes, and understanding which type is involved is crucial for effective management.

While tumor grading does play a role in determining the aggressiveness of lymphoma and may inform treatment strategies, it is not the primary classification method. The degree of differentiation can vary within lymphomas, and grading systems often consider histological features, but they are secondary to the initial classification based on cell type. Therefore, in the classification context, identifying the cell type affected is the most direct and relevant approach, establishing the framework for clinical decisions regarding therapy and expected prognosis.