Primary effusion lymphoma

Definition of primary effusion lymphoma

primary effusion lymphoma

(PRY-mayr-ee eh-FYOO-zhun lim-FOH-muh)
A rare, aggressive (fast-growing) type of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma marked by an abnormal build-up of fluids in a body cavity. It usually occurs together with a human herpesvirus or Epstein-Barr virus in people who have weakened immune systems, such as in patients with HIV disease.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms