A case of an unusual type of granulomatous lymphadenitis, initially suspected of being a malignant lymphoma, is reported. Histologically, this lesion shows a striking xanthomatous appearance, due to collections of foamy histiocytes interspersed with chronic inflammatory cells, and resulting in a storage-like aspect. Evidence indicates that this process merely represents the reabsorption and healing phases of an acute suppurative lymphadenitis, with histopathologic features comparable to those of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis. The term xanthogranulomatous lymphadenitis is suggested for this previously inadequately described lesion, and the likely non-specific degenerative character of the xanthomatous response is stressed.