Final answer:
Enlarged germinal centers in a lymph node biopsy may indicate an active immune response or presence of conditions such as infections, autoimmune diseases, or lymphomas, particularly if the swelling does not improve with standard treatments.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a lymph node biopsy shows that the sinus tracts are of a normal size, but the germinal centers are enlarged, it may indicate that the lymph node is actively fighting an infection or is involved in an immune response. The germinal centers within the lymphoid follicles are the sites of rapid B cell division and differentiation. Changes in the size of the germinal centers can be associated with conditions such as infections, autoimmune diseases, or lymphomas, where there is an overproduction of lymphocytes or an abnormal response.
In the context of lymphoma, the presence of enlarged germinal centers could be a sign of malignancy, as indicated by the case study of Wei, who was diagnosed with lymphoma after presenting with a swollen lymph node. When the swelling and symptoms persist without improvement from antibiotics, a suspicion of lymphoma or other serious conditions can lead to a biopsy for further investigation.