American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

Which symptom type is associated with localized presentations of follicular lymphoma?

1. Neurological deficits

2. Localized swelling

3. Skeletal pain

4. Dermatologic reactions

The correct answer is: Localized swelling

Localized swelling is the symptom type associated with localized presentations of follicular lymphoma. Follicular lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that often manifests as painless lymphadenopathy, which refers to the enlargement of lymph nodes. This can lead to swollen areas that may be felt in regions where the lymphoma is concentrated, thus presenting as localized swelling. This localized involvement can occur in various anatomical regions depending on where the lymph nodes are located. Unlike symptoms like neurological deficits, which may arise from central nervous system involvement or other complications, follicular lymphoma primarily presents with clearly defined new masses or swellings in areas where lymph nodes are situated. In contrast, while skeletal pain may occur due to a variety of other conditions, including metastatic disease, it is not a characteristic hallmark of localized follicular lymphoma itself. Similarly, dermatologic reactions can occur in some lymphomas, but they are less common and do not directly relate to the localized presentation typical of follicular lymphoma. Therefore, localized swelling is a more accurate representation of how follicular lymphoma can present, specifically in instances where the disease is limited to certain areas.