Primary cutaneous follicular center cell lymphoma of the nose with maxillary sinus involvement in a pediatric patient

Paediatric cutaneous lymphomas including rare subtypes: A 40-year experience at a tertiary referral centre

BACKGROUND

Primary cutaneous lymphomas are neoplasms of the immune system with a distinct tropism for the skin and an absence of extracutaneous manifestations at the time of diagnosis. Studies focusing on cutaneous lymphomas in children and adolescents remain scarce and often do not encompass the rare subtypes.

OBJECTIVES

To address this knowledge gap by describing the clinical, histological and molecular characteristics of a large group of paediatric patients affected by primary cutaneous lymphoma. We also provided the Paediatric Primary Cutaneous Lymphoma Atlas that illustrates the clinicopathological spectrum of observed presentations, in the hope of supporting other physicians in the diagnostic process.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of paediatric patients diagnosed with primary cutaneous lymphomas between 1980 and 2022 at the Paediatric Dermatology Unit of Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan.

RESULTS

A total of 101 patients (58 males, 43 females) met the inclusion criteria. The most common subtypes were lymphomatoid papulosis (n = 48) and mycosis fungoides (n = 31). These were followed by primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders (n = 7), primary cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphomas (n = 5), primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphomas (n = 3), primary cutaneous follicle centre lymphomas (n = 2), subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphomas (n = 2), primary cutaneous peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (n = 1), primary cutaneous precursor B-lymphoblastic lymphoma (n = 1) and Sézary syndrome (n = 1). Clinical follow-up data covering a median of 70.8 months (range 1-324) were available for 74 patients, of whom three died due to cutaneous lymphoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings shed light on the peculiar aspects and long-term outcomes of paediatric cutaneous lymphomas, particularly emphasizing their distinctive features in comparison to their adult counterparts and exploring the less common subtypes. Further larger-scale studies are warranted to better characterize these entities and to achieve a more rapid and accurate diagnosis.

An adolescent with primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma: a case report and literature review

Primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma (PCFCL) differs from follicular lymphoma in biological behavior and molecular profile and is treated as a distinct entity, according to the 5th edition of the World Health Organization classification of hematolymphoid tumors. It is an uncommon cutaneous B-cell lymphoma that is considerably rare in children and adolescents. To date, only 13 cases of individuals younger than 20 years of age have been reported in the literature. The lack of relevant clinical epidemiological data in this population has hampered the investigation of its clinical and diagnostic aspects. Here we report the case of a 17-year-old male with PCFCL, who may be the first PCFCL patient under 20 years of age reported in China. He was admitted to the hospital with a solitary nodule on his face. After complete surgical excision, the patient's facial mass was histologically identified as PCFCL. The patient's prognosis was favorable, with no recurrence at 17 months of follow-up after the surgical resection. We present a case of an adolescent PCFCL patient and systematically review the literature with a view to increase the awareness of the disease and inform the diagnosis and treatment of this age group.

Primary Cutaneous Follicle Center Lymphoma Presenting as a Solitary Nodule on the Forearm of an Adolescent Girl: A Case Report and Literature Review

Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas (PCBCLs) are very rare to be seen in pediatric and adolescent age group, especially primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma (PCFCL) which is considered the least occurring main subtype. Here, we describe a 16-year-old girl who developed a slowly growing solitary firm smooth surfaced erythematous nodule over her forearm. Histopathological examination showed a dense dermal nodular, periadnexal and perivascular lymphoid infiltrate extending deep to the subcutis. Immunohistochemical staining showed a B-cell population with positivity for CD20, variable staining for BCL6 and CD10 and uniquely staining for BCL2. Although a primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma (PCMZL) was considered but the presences of interfollicular BCL6 and CD10 positivity established the diagnosis of PCFCL. To our knowledge, only 12 cases of pediatric and adolescent PCFCL have been described in the literature.

Facial Natural Killer/T-Cell Lymphoma: A Deadly Sinusitis Mimic

Sinusitis and pre-septal cellulitis are common emergency department (ED) conditions, though rare and lethal mimics can present in a similar manner. We present a case of natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma mimicking sinusitis and pre-septal cellulitis. Diagnosis of this condition may include imaging modalities such as CT and MRI, though definitive diagnosis requires tissue biopsy. Therapeutic interventions involve chemotherapy and radiation, with little role for surgical debridement. Complications in treatment can occur including hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Despite standard treatments, mortality remains high for cases of facial lymphoma.

Primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma in a 16-year-old girl

In the pediatric and adolescent age group, primary cutaneous lymphomas are rare, especially cutaneous B-cell lymphomas. According to the World Health Organization, the three main subtypes of primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas are primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (PCMZL), primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma (PCFCL), and primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type. We present an extraordinary case of PCFCL arising in a 16-year-old female, only the sixth case of PCFCL to be reported in the literature in a patient less than 20 years old. Although PCMZL was considered in this case, the finding of lambda light chain restriction in the BCL-6 and CD10 positive population of lymphocytes established the diagnosis of primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma. Not many data currently exist on the prognosis of PCFCL in young individuals, but adult PCFCL has a good prognosis with an indolent course and 5-year survival rates over 95%. Because of its uncommon manifestation in young patients, the diagnosis of PCFCL is often delayed or missed. This case is presented to raise awareness of PCFCL in the pediatric/ adolescent population and to contribute to the ongoing research of this condition.

Diagnosis and Management of Cutaneous B-Cell Lymphomas

Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas are a group of diseases with indolent and aggressive behavior. The goal of the initial workup is to evaluate for systemic involvement, provide adequate staging, and guide therapy. Histopathological studies are a critical part of the workup for classification of these lymphomas because they are similar to their nodal counterparts. There are limited data for treatment guidelines, and thus, therapy differs among institutions. Overall, localized therapies are preferred for indolent types and chemotherapy or immunotherapy for the aggressive forms.

Cutaneous Hematolymphoid and Histiocytic Proliferations in Children

This article focuses on cutaneous hematopoietic neoplasms that are more likely to be encountered in the pediatric age-group and includes both lymphoproliferative and histiocytic disorders. The cutaneous hematologic disorders in children have a different epidemiologic profile to what is seen during adulthood. Although mycosis fungoides is the most frequent form of cutaneous lymphoma in adults, it is very rare in children. Because lymphoblastic leukemias and lymphomas are more frequent in the pediatric setting, cutaneous leukemic infiltrates are relatively common in this age-group. Similarly, histiocytic disorders are more common in children, particularly Langerhans cell histiocytosis and juvenile xanthogranuloma. Notably, the histiocytic disorders have undergone significant modifications on their nomenclature in the basis of the molecular characteristics that are present in them. A summary of the most frequent cutaneous hematopoietic disorders in children will be discussed further in this review.

Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas with large cell predominance-primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type and intravascular large B-cell lymphoma

In this review, we present clinical features and detailed histopathologic, immunologic, and molecular information regarding primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma and primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type which together represent two of the three most common types of primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma recognized in the current WHO classification system.^1,2 Overall, B-cell lymphomas represent 19-27% of primary cutaneous lymphomas in most large European and American studies^3-6 and together, primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma and primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type account for approximately 2/3 to ¾ of these cases.^5,7-11 Both subtypes can contain a high content of large B-lymphocytes, although most cases of primary cutaneous follicle center lymphomas exhibit a range in cell size and cytology. Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma, a less commonly-encountered EBV-negative primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma composed of large cells, will be more briefly discussed in this report as well.

Primary Cutaneous Lymphomas in Children and Adolescents

Primary cutaneous lymphomas are rare in children and mostly represented by mycosis fungoides and CD30(+) lymphoproliferative disorders. Most pediatric cutaneous lymphomas have similar clinical/pathological features as their adult counterparts, particularly the T-cell subtypes. With regard to outcome, adult cutaneous mature T-cell lymphomas have a tendency to progression, while this appears to be relatively infrequent in children. The outcome of cutaneous B-cell lymphomas depends on subtype, with the B-lymphoblastic entity being associated with similar outcomes to precursor B acute lymphoblastic leukemia, while there are insufficient data on other entities. The diagnosis and treatment of these patients require a close collaboration between experienced pediatric pathologists, dermatologists, and oncologists. Prospective collection of longitudinal clinical and biological data from children with these rare lymphomas is needed to better understand their biological and clinical behavior and to ultimately discover the best therapeutic strategies.

Paediatric cutaneous lymphomas: a review and comparison with adult counterparts

Primary cutaneous lymphomas (CL) in children is rare. Only a few studies focused specifically on paediatric CL and therefore little is known whether primary CL in children are similar to or different from their adult counterparts with respect to the clinicopathological presentation, behaviour and prognosis. An extensive literature search using PubMed/MEDLINE from January 1995 through July 2014 was undertaken for articles reporting cases of paediatric CL. In addition, we identified 31 children with CL in our institutions. Mycosis fungoides and lymphomatoid papulosis are the two most prevalent lymphoma forms in children. A few entities of cutaneous lymphomas such as cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma leg type, and Sézary syndrome have not been reported so far in children. Other lymphoma entities such as hydroa vacciniforme-like lymphoma are mostly seen in certain geographic areas (Asia, Central and South America). In the paediatric population, low-malignant indolent forms such as primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma and primary cutaneous follicle centre lymphoma are very rare, whereas the more aggressive forms of B-cell lymphomas, precursor lymphoblastic lymphomas, and blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm are the most common forms in children, mostly involving the skin secondarily. Most paediatric lymphomas have similar clinicopathological features and course as their adults counterparts, particularly in the group of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. The spectrum of cutaneous B-cell lymphomas in children significantly differs from the one in adults. Diagnostic work-up and treatment of paediatric patients with lymphomas are best achieved in close collaboration with paediatric haematopathologists and oncologists.

Radiotherapy of primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma: case report and review of literature

Primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma is an indolent primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma originating from the follicle center cells, composed of a combination of centrocytes (small and large cleaved cells) and centroblasts (large noncleaved cells) with a follicular, follicular/diffuse, or diffuse growth pattern. Lesions are mostly located on the head, neck and trunk. A case is presented of a 56-year-old male patient with primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma, with lesions involving the skin of the back, shoulders, presternal area and right forearm. As the patient presented a disseminated cutaneous form of the disease that involved several anatomical regions, complete work-up was followed by superficial fractionated radiotherapy of eight fields in VI expositions, with total irradiation dose of 1400 cGy upon the following fields: right and left pectoral region, left and right shoulders, right suprascapular region, and proximal third of the right forearm. Total irradiation dose applied upon each field for the lesions located on the left and right side of the back was 1500 cGy. This therapy resulted in significant reduction of visible tumor. The patient was regularly followed up on outpatient basis for 12 months of radiotherapy, being free from local recurrence and systemic spread of the disease.

Pediatric follicular lymphoma: a report of the first 3 cases from Taiwan and literature review

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is a common lymphoma entity in adults but is rare in children. As opposed to adult cases, pediatric FL is characterized by a high-grade histology, low-stage disease, a lower frequency of both bcl-2 protein expression and BCL2 gene rearrangement, and a more favorable prognosis. During the authors' previous study of pediatric Burkitt lymphoma, they identified 3 cases of pediatric FL. Here the authors present the first series of pediatric FL from Taiwan. The patients were 2 boys and 1 girl, aged from 7 to 14. The presentation sites were cervical lymph node in 2 and tonsil in 1. All cases showed large neoplastic nodules comprising sheets of centroblasts, corresponding to grade 3b FL. Two of the 3 tumors weakly expressed bcl-2 protein. Fluorescence in situ hybridization for IGH, BCL2, BCL6, CCND1, and MYC loci showed that the only chromosomal translocation was rearranged IGH in 1 case. Two patients were at stage I, and 1 at stage III. All were treated with combination chemotherapy and achieved long-term complete remission. Literature review including the current cases showed that 45% cases of pediatric FL expressed bcl-2 protein and 9% cases carried BCL2 gene rearrangement, suggesting an alternate molecular pathogenesis of pediatric FL as compared to their adult counterparts.

Pediatric follicular lymphoma: a rare clinicopathologic entity

Follicular lymphoma, although common in adults, is rare in children. Pediatric follicular lymphoma has a more favorable prognosis than adult follicular lymphoma, even though it is often of higher grade. Children with follicular lymphomas are generally at a lower clinical stage, respond well to less aggressive therapy, and have a better survival than adults. Follicular lymphoma must be distinguished from reactive follicular hyperplasia, which it may mimic. Immunohistochemical and molecular markers serve to facilitate this distinction, as well as careful attention to clinical and morphologic details. It is important to recognize pediatric follicular lymphoma as a unique clinicopathologic entity to properly diagnose and manage these patients. It may represent a subset of follicular lymphoma with a particularly good prognosis.

Primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of MALT type in a child

Marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (MZBCL) of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type is a peculiar variant of B-cell neoplasm showing distinct clinical and pathologic features. Its occurrence in children or adolescents is extremely uncommon. We describe the case of an 11-year-old boy who developed such a lymphomatous process involving primarily the skin. The tumor was characterized by a maturing plasma cell population that included immunoblasts, heavy-chain but not light-chain restriction suggestive of monoclonality, and a prevalent, focally granulomatous component of histiocytes. As an additional interesting feature, a trisomy 3 was demonstrated by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis. The clinical, morphological, phenotypic, and genetic characteristics seen in our patient do not differ significantly from those described in primary cutaneous MZBCL occurring in adults.