Malignant lymphoma in which the lymphomatous cells are clustered into identifiable nodules within the lymph nodes. The nodules resemble to some extent the germinal centers of lymph node follicles and most likely represent neoplastic proliferation of lymph node-derived follicular center B-lymphocytes. This class of lymphoma usually occurs in older persons, is commonly multinodal, and possibly extranodal. Patients whose lymphomas present a follicular or nodular pattern generally have a more indolent course than those presenting with a diffuse pattern.