Primary cutaneous CD30+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma with keratoacanthoma-like pseudocarcinomatous hyperplasia and marked eosinophilia and neutrophilia

Pseudocarcinomatous Hyperplasia Masquerading as a Well-Differentiated Squamous Cell Carcinoma Associated With Primary Cutaneous Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma

ABSTRACT

Pseudocarcinomatous hyperplasia (PCH) is a reactive proliferation of the epidermis associated with CD30 + lymphoproliferative disorders. In this article, we report the case of a 42-year-old man who presented with a 10-year history of a solitary erythematous patch on the right thigh that progressed to an ulcerated, crusted plaque. Histologic examination revealed an infiltrate of atypical CD30 + lymphocytes consistent with primary cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphoma with overlying well differentiated keratinocyte hyperplasia akin to a well-differentiated invasive squamous cell carcinoma. This case demonstrates the phenomenon of pseudocarcinomatous hyperplasia mimicking features of invasive squamous cell carcinoma. It highlights the necessity of careful clinical correlation when diagnosing squamous cell carcinomas in younger patients on non-sun-exposed areas and the exclusion of accompanying known causes of pseudocarcinomatous hyperplasia.

Pseudocarcinomatous Hyperplasia, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Keratoacanthoma Associated to Lymphomas of the Skin and External Mucous Membranes: A Case Report and Literature Review

Pseudocarcinomatous hyperplasia (PCH) is a benign reactive epithelial proliferation that may be associated to lymphomas of the skin or external mucous membranes. We present a case of single lesion mycosis fungoides (Woringer-Kollop's reticulosis pagetoid) associated with PCH that was initially misdiagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and review all PubMed-indexed previously reported cases on lymphomas of the skin or external mucous membranes associated to PCH, SCC, and keratoacanthomas. Including our own case, we collected data of 114 cases of cutaneous or mucosal lymphoproliferative disorders associated to PCH, 3 cases associated to SCC, and other 3 cases associated to keratoacanthomas. All cases were tabulated to the following parameters whenever data was available: sex, age, previous medical conditions, number of lesions (single × multiple), site of involvement (mucosa, skin or both), clinical impression, initial equivocal histopathologic diagnosis, final diagnosis, keratinocytic atypia (presence × absence), lymphocytic atypia (presence × absence), CD30-status, and treatment.

How I treat primary cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders

The primary cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders are a family of extranodal lymphoid neoplasms that arise from mature postthymic T cells and localize to the skin. Current classification systems recognize lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP), primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and borderline cases. In the majority of patients, the prognosis of primary cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders is excellent; however, relapses are common, and complete cures are rare. Skin-directed and systemic therapies are used as monotherapy or in combination to achieve the best disease control and minimize overall toxicity. We discuss 3 distinct presentations of primary cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorder and present recommendations for a multidisciplinary team approach to diagnosis, evaluation, and management of these conditions in keeping with existing consensus guidelines.

CD30-Positive Lymphoproliferative Disorders

Primary cutaneous CD30-positive lymphoproliferative disorders (CD30+ LPD) encompass lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP), primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL), and borderline lesions [1]. CD30+ LPD are the second most common cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) after mycosis fungoides (MF) and represent approximately 25% of all CTCL cases [2]. Their common phenotypic hallmark is an expression of the CD30 antigen, a cytokine receptor belonging to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily. Both LyP and pcALCL show numerous clinical, histological and immunophenotypic variants, and generally have an indolent course with a favorable prognosis. Overlapping features of LyP and pcALCL with other CD30+ T-cell lymphomas, inflammatory, and/or infectious conditions emphasize the importance of careful clinicopathologic correlation and staging.

A new era for cutaneous CD30-positive T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders

Cutaneous CD30+ T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders (CD30+ T-LPD) represent a spectrum encompassing lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP), primary cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (pcALCL) and borderline lesions. They share the expression of CD30 as a common phenotypic marker. They differ however in their clinical presentation, the histological features and clinical course. Moreover, LyP and PcALCL show numerous clinical, histological and phenotypic variants. Overlapping features of LyP and pcALCL with themselves and with other cutaneous and systemic lymphomas emphasize the importance of careful clinicopathologic correlation and staging in the diagnosis of CD30+ T-LPD. Furthermore, an increasing number of inflammatory and infectious skin disorders harboring medium-sized to large CD30+ cells have to be considered in the differential diagnosis. Whereas the expression of CD30 in cutaneous CD30+ T-LPD stands for a favourable prognosis, its expression in other cutaneous and systemic lymphomas has a divergent impact. The assessment of CD30 expression does not only provide prognostic information, but is of potential therapeutic relevance as CD30 can serve as a therapeutic target. This review focuses on the clinicopathological and phenotypic spectrum of CD30+ T-LPD, its differential diagnoses and the role of CD30 as a diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic marker.

Keratoacanthoma (KA): An update and review

Keratoacanthoma (KA) is a common but underreported tumor of the skin. Two striking features of KA are its clinical behavior with spontaneous regression after rapid growth and its nosological position on the border between benignity and malignancy. We review current knowledge on the clinical, histopathological, and dermoscopic features of KA to ensure a proper diagnosis and describe its variants, including different types of multiple KAs. We highlight current concepts of KA ethiopathogenesis with special emphasis on the genetic background of multiple familial KA, the role of Wnt signaling pathway, and induction of KA by BRAF inhibitors and procedures of esthetic dermatology. Finally, treatment strategies are presented with surgical excision as a first option, followed by other modalities, including intralesional chemotherapy, topical and systemic agents, lasers, cryotherapy, and photodynamic therapy.

Pseudocarcinomatous Hyperplasia Hiding Lymphomatoid Papulosis

Pseudocarcinomatous hyperplasia (PCH) is a reactive proliferation of the epidermis that can be associated with many inflammatory and neoplastic conditions. Histologically, it is characterized by irregular strands of epidermis, usually at the level of the follicular infundibulum, projecting downward into the dermis. The differentiation between a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma and PCH can be particularly challenging when the biopsy is superficial and the causing lesion is dermal-based. Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) is an uncommon, self-healing, recurrent, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, included among the primary cutaneous CD30-positive T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. LyP is characterized by a chronic course of years to decades that does not compromise survival, even if patients with LyP are at risk for second cutaneous or nodal lymphoid malignancies. LyP and other lymphomas are major neoplastic causes of PCH and can be misdiagnosed or completely overlooked if the PCH is particularly exuberant. We describe the case of an otherwise healthy 55-year-old man who presented with a 3-month history of erythematous papules on upper and lower limbs. A diagnosis of LyP associated with PCH was made after 3 skin biopsies. The propensity of the CD30+ cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders to an incognito growth pattern is well recognized, and a low-magnification scanning of the histological slides can be an inappropriate approach.

Pseudocarcinomatous hyperplasia in anaplastic large cell lymphoma, a mimicker of poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma: report of a case and review of the literature

Pseudocarcinomatous hyperplasia can occasionally be observed in biopsies of CD30-positive lymphoproliferative disorders. It is important to be cognizant of this association, because epithelial hyperproliferation can overshadow large atypical lymphoid cells, leading to an erroneous diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or keratoacanthoma. Herein, we present a case of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) with pseudocarcinomatous hyperplasia simulating a poorly differentiated carcinoma and review the literature on this subject. Immunohistochemical staining with p63 helped delineate the infiltrating tongues of pseudocarcinomatous hyperplasia from the malignant infiltrate. We present this case to raise awareness of the potential for pseudocarcinomatous hyperplasia to occur in the setting of CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders. Clinicians and dermatopathologists should consider the possibility of ALCL or lymphomatoid papulosis when examining lesions with features of inflamed SCC, especially if the tumor presents on a site or in a patient that is not typical of SCC.

Pseudocarcinomatous hyperplasia mimicking squamous cell carcinoma in a case of CD56-positive cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma

We present the case of an 84-year-old patient with a cutaneous CD56 positive cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma associated with substantial pseudocarcinomatous hyperplasia mimicking squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The patient presented with a 7-month history of several progressive, ulcerated plaques on his right forearm. An initial biopsy showed changes consistent with a diagnosis of SCC for which the patient underwent surgical treatment. Several months later, the patient developed recurrent ulcerated plaques on the right forearm of which several biopsies were performed. The biopsies repeatedly showed marked pseudocarcinomatous hyperplasia resembling SCC. Deeper punch biopsies, however, showed a dense superficial and deep infiltrate of markedly atypical lymphocytes. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed strong positive staining for CD3, CD8, CD56 with negative stains for CD30 and Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small non-polyadenylated RNAs (EBER). Staining for beta F1 and gamma-delta T-cell receptor (γδ TCR) were both negative. This constellation was most consistent with a diagnosis of cutaneous peripheral T-cell lymphoma, unspecified in association with marked pseudocarcinomatous hyperplasia. Our case adds cutaneous peripheral T-cell lymphoma, unspecified to the list of conditions associated with pseudocarcinomatous hyperplasia (PCH) and illustrates once again the potential pitfalls of distinguishing marked pseudocarcinomatous hyperplasia from SCC.

Cutaneous CD30-Positive Lymphoproliferative Disorders

Cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders are the second most common types of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. They represent a well-defined spectrum encompassing lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP), primary cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (pcALCL), and borderline lesions. They share the expression of CD30 as a common phenotypic hallmark, but they differ in their clinical presentation, course, and histologic features. New variants have been recently identified, including CD8+ epidermotropic LyP type D, angioinvasive LyP type E, and ALK-positive pcALCL. This review describes clinical, histopathologic, and phenotypic variants; their differential diagnoses (benign and malignant); and the role of CD30 as a diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic marker.

Leukemia cutis in association with cutaneous epidermal malignancies

BACKGROUND

Epidermal malignancies developing in association with hematolymphoid malignancies are exceptional. Only one prior case of myeloid leukemia cutis with a cutaneous epidermal malignancy has been reported.

METHODS

We report two cases; one occurred in association with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and another with basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

RESULTS

Both patients were 83-year-old males without established histories of systemic hematopoietic disorders; one presented with an erythematous papule on the right upper back and the other with a nodule on the left wrist. One biopsy revealed nodular BCC with an associated perivascular myeloid leukemic infiltrate showing immunohistochemical positivity for CD43 and CD45. The other biopsy showed SCC associated with a leukemic infiltrate in sheets with myeloid blasts, eosinophilic myelocytes and maturing myeloid precursors. The myeloid cells showed immunohistochemical expression of CD43, CD68, CD33, CD117 and myeloperoxidase. Both patients had myeloblasts on peripheral blood smear. One patient declined further treatment and died of disease 5 weeks after the initial biopsy. The other patient underwent chemotherapy and is alive after 6 months.

CONCLUSION

Although most inflammatory infiltrates associated with cutaneous epidermal malignancies are reactive, careful examination is necessary to exclude systemic hematopoietic disease, especially in elderly patients.

Pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia: a review

Pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia (PEH) is a benign condition, characterized by hyperplasia of the epidermis and adnexal epithelium, closely simulating squamous cell carcinoma. PEH may be present in a number of conditions characterized by prolonged inflammation and/or chronic infection, as well as in association with many cutaneous neoplasms. Herein, we review different inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic skin diseases, in which florid epidermal hyperplasia is a prominent histopathologic feature, and introduce a systematic approach in the interpretation of PEH.

Tumor proliferation in the right arm

It is a case of fast growth tumor lesion on the posterior region of the right arm of a 37-year-old female patient. Dermatopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics are discussed to support the definite diagnosis.

Peripheral Eosinophilia Camouflaging Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma

Eosinophilia is a nonspecific laboratory finding, often noted incidentally during routine blood analysis. When persistent, eosinophilia can herald an underlying parasitic infection, drug reaction or less commonly, a neoplastic process. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) and tissue eosinophilia has been described; however, such cases have not displayed marked leukocytosis with eosinophilia. This article reports a patient presenting with marked leukocytosis with profound peripheral eosinophilia initially thought to be related to a chronic myeloproliferative disorder, likely chronic eosinophilic leukemia. After further diagnostic evaluation, ALCL was noted in the bone marrow, masked by the myeloid hyperplasia and eosinophilia. This case emphasizes the importance of a full diagnostic workup for T-cell malignancies, including ALCL rather than focusing on the far less common eosinophilia-associated myeloid malignancies in the clinicopathologic setting of marked eosinophilia. Moreover, bone marrow involvement by ALCL is exceedingly rare and when noted, presents as one or more localized lytic lesions. This is the first reported case of ALCL primarily involving bone marrow without radiographic evidence of lytic bone lesions.

Primary cutaneous CD30+ anaplastic large-cell lymphomas mimicking keratoacanthomas

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) may be associated with keratoacanthoma (KA)-like epithelial hyperplasia and dense eosinophilic and neutrophilic infiltrates. Diagnosis in such cases is challenging both clinically and histologically, because the large atypical lymphoid cells may be obscured by the massive infiltrate of eosinophils and neutrophils, or confused with invasive squamous cell carcinoma or KA. We recently encountered two cases of CD30+ ALCL presenting with a KA-like tumour on the eyelid and nose, respectively. One showed features of KA histologically, with marked tissue eosinophilia and neutrophilia.

The Spectrum of Histopathologic and Immunohistochemical Findings in Folliculotropic Mycosis Fungoides

BACKGROUND

Since the original designation of folliculotropic mycosis fungoides (FMF) as a distinct entity, there has been an increasing appreciation of the broad clinical and histopathologic spectrum with which this disease can present. However, there have been few large histologic studies characterizing the various histopathologic patterns.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we attempt to describe the histopathologic and immunohistochemical features of 47 biopsy specimens from 34 patients with FMF.

METHODS

We searched our lymphoma database for patients with FMF in which detailed histopathologic information and slides as well as clinical information was available for review. Additionally, immunohistochemical studies for CD4, CD8, and CD1a were performed in all cases in which the block was available.

RESULTS

In addition to the prototypical pattern of a folliculotropic lypmphoid infiltrate with or without mucinosis, the histologic features of follicular mycosis fungoides may include a granulomatous reaction, cystic and comedonal changes, an eosinophilic folliculitis pattern and basaloid folliculolymphoid hyperplasia as well as pustular changes, interface dermatitis and an interstitial dermatitislike pattern. Unlike conventional mycosis fungoides, eosinophils and plasma cells are conspicuous within the accompanying reactive infiltrate. We have also noted an exceedingly high number of Langerhans cells within the follicular epithelium. The CD4:CD8 ratio frequently is 10:1 or greater and the follicles show abundant CD1a positive cells.

CONCLUSIONS

FMF may present with a broad spectrum of histopathologic changes including interstitial, granulomatous, fibrotic and acneiform reactions that may lack the typical histologic attributes of a cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Recognition of these myriad of histologic presentations can be of great diagnostic utility.

Cutaneous T-cell and NK-cell lymphomas: the WHO-EORTC classification and the increasing recognition of specialized tumor types

Cases drawn from Session 5 of the 2005 Society for Hematopathology/European Association for Haematopathology Workshop on progress in T-cell and natural killer (NK)-cell malignancies are used as a framework to review the current classification of T-cell and NK-cell malignancies in skin. In comparison with the typical pattern and course of mycosis fungoides (MF), selected variants of MF that can be difficult to diagnose are discussed. Cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders are also presented in detail. Particular focus is placed on the recognition of rare but clinically more aggressive cytotoxic lymphomas in the skin. Overall, diagnostic pitfalls and new information regarding disease pathogenesis brought up by the Workshop cases are provided. In addition, a general approach to the diagnosis of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas is discussed.

CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders: histopathology, differential diagnosis, new variants, and simulators

CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders of the skin (CD30+ LPD) represent a well-defined spectrum of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas which have been recognized as distinct entities in recent lymphoma classifications. Lymphomatoid papulosis and anaplastic large-cell lymphoma share the expression of CD30 antigen as a common phenotypic hallmark but differ in regard to their clinical and histologic features as well as their biologic behavior. This article summarizes the histologic features of CD30+ LPD and presents recently identified new clinicopathologic variants of CD30+ LPD. There is an increasing number of reactive inflammatory disorders and neoplastic diseases which are composed of or contain a significant number of CD30+ cells and mimic LyP or anaplastic large cell lymphoma clinically or histologically. Differential diagnostic considerations focus on other lymphoproliferative processes with CD30+ tumor cells as well as non-lymphoid neoplasms and inflammatory simulators. The term CD30+ pseudolymphoma is proposed to designate inflammatory processes with CD30+ T cells. The final diagnosis of CD30+ LPD is based on a synthesis of clinical, histologic, phenotypic, and molecular genetic findings.

WHO/EORTC classification of cutaneous lymphomas 2005: histological and molecular aspects

The new WHO/EORTC classification for cutaneous lymphomas comprises mature T-cell and natural killer (NK)-cell neoplasms, mature B-cell neoplasms, and immature hematopoietic malignancies. It reflects the unique features of lymphoproliferative diseases of the skin, and at the same time it is as compatible as possible with the concepts underlying the WHO classification for nodal lymphomas and the EORTC classification of cutaneous lymphomas. This article reviews the histological, phenotypical, and molecular genetic features of the various nosological entities included in this new classification. These findings always have to be interpreted in the context of the clinical features and biologic behavior.

AIM

To review the histological, phenotypical and molecular genetic features of the various nosological entities of the new WHO/EORTC classification for cutaneous lymphomas.

METHODS

Extensive review of the literature cited in Medline and own data of the authors.

RESULTS

The WHO/EORTC classification of cutaneous lymphomas comprises mature T-cell and NK-cell neoplasms, mature B-cell neoplasms and immature hematopoietic malignancies. It reflects the unique features of primary cutaneous lymphoproliferative diseases.

CONCLUSION

This classification is as much as possible compatible with the concept of the WHO classification for nodal lymphomas and the EORTC classification of cutaneous lymphomas. The histological, phenotypical and molecular genetic features always have to be interpreted in the context of the clinical features and biologic behavior.