Lymphomatoid contact dermatitis

Lymphocytic infiltrations of face

The immune system protects our organism and, of course, our skin from harmful factors. One of the key elements of the immune system is lymphocytes. Lymphocytes play a role in the pathogenesis of various skin diseases. Lymphocytic infiltrates are seen in many skin diseases. Some of the skin diseases characterized by lymphocytic infiltration show up in specific anatomic locations, whereas other entities can be placed in all areas of the body. The course of lymphocytic infiltrations of the face is variable and unpredictable, most often lasting from months to years. The most important diseases with lymphocytic infiltration of the face are pseudolymphomas. This review discusses various types of cutaneous pseudolymphomas and other diseases with lymphocytic infiltration mainly involving the face.

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.

Current knowledge in inflammatory dermatopathology

The complex and fascinating spectrum of inflammatory skin disease, and the comprehension of it, is ever expanding and evolving. During the first decade of the 21st century, numerous advances in the understanding of inflammatory disease mechanisms have occurred, particularly in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Continuation of this trend will assure a future in which molecular tests for biomarkers of immediate clinical relevance are used in routine patient care, not only for diagnosis but also for prognosis and management. This article focuses on selected recent or noteworthy developments that are clinically relevant for the histologic diagnosis of inflammatory skin diseases.