File:Schematic showing two main routes for the development of overt mantle cell lymphoma from an in situ mantle cell neoplasm.jpg

Mature B-cells harboring the t(11;14) translocation (depicted by blue small round shapes) colonize in the inner part of the non-expanded mantle zone (MZ) in secondary lymphoid follicles to form an in situ mantle cell neoplasm. The classic nodal form of mantle cell lymphoma usually arises from mantle zone B-cells that have not traversed the germinal center (GC). Rarely, in situ mantle cell neoplastic cells may be present in the follicle center (depicted by red small round shapes in the GC). The non-nodal leukemic form of mantle cell lymphoma may arise from in situ mantle cell neoplastic B-cells that have traversed the germinal center.