Differential diagnosis of cutaneous infiltrates of B lymphocytes with follicular growth pattern

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.

Lymphocytoma cutis (cutaneous B-cell pseudolymphoma): study of 102 cases with emphasis on the histological characteristics and immunohistochemistry of the miliarial type

BACKGROUND

Lymphocytoma cutis (LC) is a benign reactive lymphoproliferative B-cell process. It has two variants: localized type with solitary lesions and miliarial type with numerous lesions. The objective was to investigate the characteristics of LC with emphasis on the miliarial type.

METHODS

Retrospective study, patients with clinical and histopathological diagnosis of LC were included. Age, sex, evolution time, affected site, and type of treatment were investigated. In miliarial-type LC, the histological and immunohistochemical characteristics were also investigated.

RESULTS

In an 18-year period, there were 102 patients found with LC: 72 (71%) corresponded to females, the median age was 45 years, the median evolution time was 4 months, and the face was the most predominant affected area in 81 (79%) cases. Localized-type LC corresponded to 88 (86%) cases, and miliarial type in 14 (14%). The most common treatment was surgery, which was used in 32 (31%) patients, all of whom had localized type (P < 0.01). The most frequent treatment for miliarial-type LC was corticosteroids in five (36%, P = 0.32), the predominant histopathological pattern was nodular in 10 (71%) specimens, and immunohistochemistry was performed in 11 (79%), where all were positive for CD20 with polyclonality to kappa and lambda light chains.

CONCLUSIONS

The importance of LC lies in that it can be clinically and histopathologically confused with cutaneous lymphoma and that it is a rare entity, with its miliarial variant being rarer still. This study provides information on the clinical-histological characteristics of LC and its immunohistochemistry.

Bacterial Infection and Non-Hodgkin B-Cell Lymphoma: Interactions between Pathogen, Host and the Tumor Environment

Non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphomas (NHL) are a heterogeneous group of lymphoid neoplasms with complex etiopathology, rich symptomatology, and a variety of clinical courses, therefore requiring different therapeutic approaches. The hypothesis that an infectious agent may initiate chronic inflammation and facilitate B lymphocyte transformation and lymphogenesis has been raised in recent years. Viruses, like EBV, HTLV-1, HIV, HCV and parasites, like Plasmodium falciparum, have been linked to the development of lymphomas. The association of chronic Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, Borrelia burgdorferi with cutaneous MALT lymphoma and Chlamydophila psittaci with ocular adnexal MALT lymphoma is well documented. Recent studies have indicated that other infectious agents may also be relevant in B-cell lymphogenesis such as Coxiella burnettii, Campylobacter jejuni, Achromobacter xylosoxidans, and Escherichia coli. The aim of the present review is to provide a summary of the current literature on infectious bacterial agents associated with B-cell NHL and to discuss its role in lymphogenesis, taking into account the interaction between infectious agents, host factors, and the tumor environment.

[Pathology of the nipple-areola complex : Part II. Tumors, tumor-like lesions, and supernumerary breast lesions]

The nipple-areola complex is the origin of various morphologically distinct tumors and tumor-like lesions, which can be delineated from the special structures of the nipple, in particular the intramammary ducts, skin-appendages, and the intramammary stroma. Benign tumors are most frequent and this includes epithelial tumors such as mammary adenoma and syringomatous tumor of the nipple. Less commonly observed are benign mesenchymal tumors such as leiomyoma of the nipple, or tumor-like lesions like pseudo-lymphoma. With excess formations of the nipple, the different forms of polythelia and polymastia have to be considered.

Bacterial infection and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

One quarter of all cancers are linked to infectious diseases. The link between viral infection and cancer has been widely studied, but few reports have focused on the carcinogenic role of bacterial infection. Nonetheless, Helicobacter pylori, Chlamydia psittaci, Coxiella burnetii, Borrelia burgdorferi and Campylobacter jejuni are bacteria that can be associated with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), the most common haematologic malignancy. Here, we review the evidence in favour of a link between these bacterial infections and NHL. Sero-epidemiological observation makes it possible to identify a link between H. pylori, C. burnetii, B. burgdorferi infection and NHL. Helicobacter pylori, Chlamydia psittaci, Coxiella burnetii, Borrelia burgdorferi and Campylobacter jejuni could be identified in NHL tissue samples at the site of chronic inflammation, where B and T lymphocytes are attracted to participate in follicle formation. Lymphoma remissions have been observed under antimicrobial therapies supporting the carcinogenic contribution of bacteria. If the theory of causality is characterized by the lack of universal criteria for establishing a causal link between two diseases, infection and lymphoma, epidemiological, clinical, and histological evidences reported here, should lead clinicians to pay attention to these infectious agents, to detect early lymphoma transformation.

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.

Lymphocytoma cutis on the inguinal region: report of a rare case of benign lymphoproliferative disorder

Lymphocytoma cutis, or benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia, is an inflammatory skin lesion that mimics clinically and histologically malignant lymphoma. Most cases are idiopathic, but they may also be triggered by multiple factors, such as insect bites, tattoos, injections and herpes zoster. Clinically, the lesions are erythematous, soft papules, plaques or nodules, usually located on the upper limbs and face. The diagnosis is mainly based on histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Corticosteroid injections, cryosurgery, PUVA therapy, radiotherapy and surgery can be therapeutic options in cases requiring immediate treatment. To demonstrate an atypical presentation of this tumor, a case lymphocytoma skin on the groin will be reported, describing its diagnosis and treatment.

Primary Cutaneous B-cell Lymphomas

B-cell lymphomas represent approximately 20% to 25% of primary cutaneous lymphomas. Within this group, most cases (>99%) are encompassed by 3 diagnostic entities: primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma, primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma, and primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type. In this article, the authors present clinical, histopathologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular features of each of these entities and briefly discuss the rarer intravascular large B-cell lymphoma.

Cutaneous Pseudolymphoma

The term, cutaneous pseudolymphoma (PSL), refers to a group of lymphocyte-rich infiltrates, which either clinically and/or histologically simulate cutaneous lymphomas. Clinicopathologic correlation is essential to achieve the final diagnosis in cutaneous PSL and to differentiate it from cutaneous lymphomas. A wide range of causative agents (eg, Borrelia, injections, tattoo, and arthropod bite) has been described. Based on clinical and/or histologic presentation, 4 main groups of cutaneous PSL can be distinguished: (1) nodular PSL, (2) pseudo-mycosis fungoides, (3) other PSLs (representing distinct clinical entities), and (4) intravascular PSL. The article gives an overview of the clinical and histologic characteristics of cutaneous PSLs.

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.

Approach to Cutaneous Lymphoid Infiltrates: When to Consider Lymphoma?

Cutaneous lymphoid infiltrates (CLIs) are common in routine dermatopathology. However, differentiating a reactive CLI from a malignant lymphocytic infiltrate is often a significant challenge since many inflammatory dermatoses can clinically and/or histopathologically mimic cutaneous lymphomas, coined pseudolymphomas. We conducted a literature review from 1966 to July 1, 2015, at PubMed.gov using the search terms: Cutaneous lymphoma, cutaneous pseudolymphoma, cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia, simulants/mimics/imitators of cutaneous lymphomas, and cutaneous lymphoid infiltrates. The diagnostic approach to CLIs and the most common differential imitators of lymphoma is discussed herein based on six predominant morphologic and immunophenotypic, histopathologic patterns: (1) Superficial dermal T-cell infiltrates (2) superficial and deep dermal perivascular and/or nodular natural killer/T-cell infiltrates (3) pan-dermal diffuse T-cell infiltrates (4) panniculitic T-cell infiltrates (5) small cell predominant B-cell infiltrates, and (6) large-cell predominant B-cell infiltrates. Since no single histopathological feature is sufficient to discern between a benign and a malignant CLI, the overall balance of clinical, histopathological, immunophenotypic, and molecular features should be considered carefully to establish a diagnosis. Despite advances in ancillary studies such as immunohistochemistry and molecular clonality, these studies often display specificity and sensitivity limitations. Therefore, proper clinicopathological correlation still remains the gold standard for the precise diagnosis of CLIs.

Cutaneous Pseudolymphomas

The term cutaneous pseudolymphoma refers to benign reactive lymphoid proliferations in the skin that simulate cutaneous lymphomas. It is a purely descriptive term that encompasses various reactive conditions with a varied etiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, histology, and behavior. We present a review of the different types of cutaneous pseudolymphoma. To reach a correct diagnosis, it is necessary to contrast clinical, histologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular findings. Even with these data, in some cases only the clinical course will confirm the diagnosis, making follow-up essential.

Small lymphocytic lymphoma with florid perniosis-like features: a case report

BACKGROUND

Small lymphocytic lymphoma is a relatively rare B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is considered to be the tissue equivalent of the much more common entity chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Cutaneous manifestations of small lymphocytic lymphoma are infrequent and the literature regarding them sparse. We describe here a case of a patient with a history of small lymphocytic lymphoma who developed perniosis-like features of the digits.

CASE PRESENTATION

An 86-year old male patient with previously diagnosed small lymphocytic lymphoma developed painful erythematous swelling of the periungual area of his fingers and toes. This was associated with a dense dermal infiltration of CD5-positive B-lymphoid cells consistent with his low-grade B-cell lymphoma. Although partially refractory to local radiotherapy, the painful swelling of the fingers and toes resolved fully following systemic therapy with chlorambucil and rituximab.

CONCLUSIONS

This unusual cutaneous manifestation of a lymphoma and the favourable response to systemic therapy may be instructive for the management of other patients who develop similar perniosis-like features.

Cutaneous lymphomas: an update. Part 2: B-cell lymphomas and related conditions

: Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas (PCBCL) are the second most common form of primary cutaneous lymphomas and account for approximately 25%-30% of all primary cutaneous lymphomas. Both forms of low-grade malignant PCBCL, primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma (PCFCL) and primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue-type (MALT lymphoma) (PCMZL) represent the vast majority of PCBCL and show an indolent slowly progressive course and an excellent prognosis despite a high recurrence rate. Genetic analysis indicates that PCMZL differ from other forms of extranodal MALT lymphomas. The more common class-switched and the non-class-switched form of PCMZL can be distinguished as two distinctive subsets that differ in the cellular composition, IgM expression, and biological behavior with extracutaneous involvement found in the non-class-switched form. Recently, unusual clinical and histological forms of PCMZL and PCFCL manifesting with miliary or agminated lesions have been described that are diagnostically challenging. In contrast to PCMZL and PCFCL, primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type, and other rare forms of large B-cell lymphomas such as intravascular large B-cell lymphoma have an unfavorable prognosis. There is an emerging group of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-driven B-cell lymphoproliferations including posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders and mucocutaneous ulcer occurring in immunocompromised patients and EBV-associated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the elderly arising in the setting of senescence-linked immunodeficiency. This review reports on recent findings expanding the spectrum of clinicopathological features, differential diagnostic aspects, and the pathogenesis of PCBCL and discusses the group of EBV-associated B-cell lymphoproliferations involving the skin.

Lymphocytoma cutis--case report

We describe a clinical case involving a 62-year-old white male, diagnosed with lymphocytoma cutis (Spiegler-Fendt sarcoid) in the cephalic segment. The diagnosis was carried out by pathological study and confirmed by immunohistochemical panel: evidence of polyclonality. Phototherapy sessions were suggested as treatment (13 PUVA sessions, with an accumulated dose of 58.65 J/cm2 ). The improvement was partial. Thus, infiltration of triamcinolone was opted for (one intralesional infiltration every 3 weeks). After 5 sessions, satisfactory improvement was observed: regression of nearly all the lesions.

Primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma with sequential development of nodal marginal zone lymphoma in a patient with selective immunoglobulin A deficiency

Multiple lymphoma subtypes occurring within one patient is rare in the context of B-cell lymphoma, and only few such cases have been reported in association with primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma (PCMZL). We herein describe the case of a 43-year-old patient who was diagnosed with PCMZL and subsequently developed a clonally unrelated nodal marginal zone lymphoma (MZL). At the time of diagnosis of PCMZL, multiple skin lesions were present. The atypical lymphoid infiltrate showed monotypic expression of immunoglobulin light chain lambda and heavy chain (IgM) on immunohistochemistry and an identical B-cell clone. No sign of systemic lymphoma was present in staging examinations. Complete remission was achieved utilizing rituximab. After a 3-year clinical course of repetitive cutaneous relapses and remissions, the patient additionally developed nodal lymphoma involvement by MZL which, however, harbored an immunophenotype and a genetic clone distinct from the cutaneous lymphoma counterpart. Therefore, the rare occurrence of two different types of MZL with sequential evolution was diagnosed. In this uncommon case, we hypothesize that selective immunoglobulin A deficiency may play a promoting role for the metachronous development of the two MZL that occurred in our patient.

Atypical location of lymphocytoma cutis in a child

Lyme borreliosis is a common infectious disease that can affect myocardial muscle or the central nervous system if not treated at an early stage. Here we report a unique case of an atypical location of lymphocytoma cutis in a 3-year-old boy. Histologic and immunohistochemical analysis revealed the correct diagnosis.

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.

Mimics of cutaneous lymphoma: report of the 2011 Society for Hematopathology/European Association for Haematopathology workshop

The Society for Hematopathology and European Association for Haematopathology workshop, from October 27 to 29, 2011, in Los Angeles, CA, exhibited many exemplary skin biopsy specimens with interesting inflammatory changes mimicking features of cutaneous lymphoma. This article reviews features observed in cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia, cutaneous drug reactions, lupus-associated panniculitis, pityriasis lichenoides, hypereosinophilic syndrome, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, traumatic ulcerative granuloma with stromal eosinophils, and pigmented purpuric dermatosis, as well as a brief review of the pertinent literature and discussion of submitted conference cases. For the pathologist, it is important to be aware of diagnostic pitfalls as well as the limitations of ancillary testing (eg, clonality studies). Finally, correlation with total clinical information, good communication with clinical colleagues, close clinical follow-up with rebiopsy, and prudent use of laboratory studies are vital and will likely offer the best path toward a correct diagnosis.

Comments on cutaneous lymphomas: since the WHO-2008 classification to present

The last classification of lymphomas of the World Health Organization in 2008 made a few changes from the preceding classification. Although useful, at the same time, it has posed new questions, concerns, and dilemmas which have been raised in the literature. The current report highlights some of these controversies, of each of these primary cutaneous entities, going through cutaneous mature T-cell and NK-cell neoplasms, mature B-cell neoplasms, precursor neoplasms, and other entities, which for several reasons do not fit in the previous categories. It also reviews some advances on many of these lymphomas published in the last 2 years.

Miliary and agminated-type primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma: report of 18 cases

BACKGROUND

Primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma (PCFCL) presents usually with reddish nodules, plaques, and tumors on the head and neck area, particularly the scalp, and on the back.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to describe a peculiar clinical variant of PCFCL.

METHODS

We report a series of 18 patients (male:female = 7:11; median age 52 years; mean age 50.8 years; age range 27-75 years) with a clinical variant of PCFCL characterized clinically by multiple, miliary, or agminated papules predominantly on the head and neck.

RESULTS

All patients presented with multiple erythematous, firm papules arranged in a manner that resembled millet seeds or collected together in small clusters. Lesions were located on the entire face in one patient (5.6%), the forehead in 8 (44.4%), the cheeks in 3 (16.7%), the preauricular region in two (11.1%), and multiple regions on the head and neck area in 3 (16.7%). The last patient had miliary papules on the entire face, back, upper aspect of arms, and scattered on the front of the chest. The initial diagnosis was never cutaneous lymphoma, and all patients had been treated unsuccessfully for different skin conditions including mainly rosacea, lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei, and persistent arthropod bite reaction. Microscopic examination confirmed the diagnosis of PCFCL in all patients.

LIMITATIONS

Small number of cases and retrospective study are limitations.

CONCLUSIONS

This peculiar clinical presentation of PCFCL is unusual and represents a pitfall in the clinical diagnosis. Dermatologists should be aware of this variant of PCFCL so as to treat patients timely and properly.

Functions and uses of immunohistochemical stains in cutaneous infiltrates of hematopoietic origin: a review for the practicing dermatologist

BACKGROUND

Immunohistochemical stains, particularly those for cutaneous lymphomas, have similar-sounding names, which may lead to confusion among dermatologists who are not well versed in the terminology of the tools used for pathologic diagnosis. Also aiding in this is the fact that some familiar stains are constantly investigated for novel utility in different tumors, and a plethora of new stains regularly emerge in the peer-reviewed literature.

OBJECTIVE

To review the major stains encountered in dermatopathologic reports for cutaneous lymphomas. A select number of other stains are reviewed that are either new and under investigation in several cutaneous processes or have a new use described in recent reports.

METHODS

The peer-reviewed literature was searched and analyzed for the accepted purposes of using these markers.

RESULTS

All pertinent findings for these immunostains are reported with the purpose of educating the dermatology community.

CONCLUSION

This review serves as a reference to clarify potentially confusing immunohistochemical stains.

Immunocytochemistry and the diagnosis of cutaneous lymphoma

Cutaneous lymphoid infiltrates may pose some of the most difficult diagnostic problems in dermatopathology. Immunocytochemistry is often employed in an effort to determine whether an infiltrate is neoplastic or, in the case of clearly malignant infiltrates, to provide a specific diagnosis. The rarity of these disorders and the variant immunocytochemical profiles they may present further thwart understanding and sometimes prevent an accurate diagnosis. In this review the common immunocytochemical profiles of various cutaneous lymphomas are presented and potential pitfalls and problems considered. Immunocytochemistry is not a diagnostic test but, as in other areas of histopathology, is a highly valuable tool that requires critical interpretation within a context: so applied, it is an indispensable part of the pathologist's arsenal in evaluating lymphoid infiltrates and defining different lymphomas.

Cutaneous B-cell lymphoma responds to rituximab: A report of five cases and a review of the literature

Optimal treatment of cutaneous B-cell lymphoma (CBCL) is yet to be established. We treated five patients, each with either extensive lesions, severe comorbidities or who refused treatment with radiation therapy, with rituximab given as a single agent for four weekly intravenous infusions of 375 mg/m2. Maintenance therapy, if initiated, was given at 375 mg/m2 once every 2 - 3 months. Objective clinical responses occurred in all five patients. Three patients have ongoing complete clinical remissions with a median follow-up of 17, 19 and 39 months post achievement of complete remission. One patient died at age 87 years from a non-related cause after 5.5 years of complete remission. One patient received local radiotherapy to a solitary cutaneous site of large-cell lymphoma that developed after 3 years in remission from the low-grade CBCL; no recurrences of either grade CBCL have yet occurred. Treatment was well tolerated. Rituximab is safe and effective in treating of CBCL, either primary CBCL or low-grade lymphomas with relapses limited to the skin. Rituximab appears to present an attractive alternative when radiation therapy is contraindicated or unwanted. Additional collaborative studies are needed to assess the role of rituximab in various clinicopathologic presentations of CBCL.