[The relationship between Epstein-Barr virus and metastatic lymphoepithelioma in the cervical lymph nodes, in comparison with other metastatic carcinomas and granulomatous diseases].

The nasopharyngeal lymphoepithelioma is closely related with Epstein-Barr virus. The first clinical manifestation is frequently enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes of unknown origin. The histology of the metastatic lymphoepithelioma in the lymph nodes sometimes resembles those of other metastatic carcinoma and granulomatous diseases. To differentiate the lymphoepithelioma from other disorders, we detected Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), using stamp specimens. By polymerase chain reaction, all seven lymphoepitheliomas presented amplified EBV genomes, while five of the 58 other carcinomas and eight of the 19 granulomatous diseases also did. By in situ hybridization, lymphoepitheliomas showed EBV genomes which were confined to the tumor cells, though in the other diseases they were found in the lymphocytes. Detection of EBV is very useful in making a diagnosis of lymphoepitheliomas.