Clinicopathologic analysis of cutaneous lymphoma in taiwan: a high frequency of extranodal natural killer/t-cell lymphoma, nasal type, with an extremely poor prognosis

Primary cutaneous gamma/delta T-cell lymphoma in Taiwan: A series of six cases with frequent solitary presentation and relatively indolent behavior

BACKGROUND

Primary cutaneous gamma/delta T-cell lymphoma (PCDG-TCL) is aggressive, frequently presenting as multiple plaques, tumors, and/or subcutaneous nodules.

METHODS

In this study, we conducted a retrospective study in a tertiary center in Taiwan to characterize this rare tumor.

RESULTS

We identified six patients. Five presented with a solitary lesion, including two with clinical impression of epidermal inclusion cyst or lipoma. Two of four evaluable cases exhibited epidermotropism, with one mimicking Pautrier microabscess. The neoplastic cells were pleomorphic and mostly medium- to large-sized. In all cases, the neoplastic cells expressed T-cell receptor (TCR)-γ and/or TCR-δ, with four co-expressing βF1. Two of these βF1+ cases co-expressed TCR-γ but not TCR-δ (two different clones). All were negative for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), low stage, and treated with radiotherapy alone or combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In two patients, lymphoma relapsed in 3 and 7 months, respectively, and one patient died of the disease in 7 months. Four other patients were free of disease for 6 to 126 months.

CONCLUSION

PCGD-TCL cases in Taiwan are more commonly solitary, frequently with indolent courses. The two currently available TCR-δ clones alone might be insufficient to detect all tumors.

Clinicopathological and prognostic study of primary cutaneous extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type: A systematic review

Comprehensive studies of primary cutaneous extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (PCENKTL) are scarce. The objectives of this study are to describe PCENKTL in terms of its clinical features, histopathology, immunophenotypes, and prognosis, and to analyze factors affecting patient survival outcomes. We searched four databases and include studies with extractable data. We also searched the Asan Medical Center database for cases of PCENKTL. We include a total of 289 patients. The mean age at diagnosis was 52.8 years and the female to male ratio was 1:1.2. The most common clinical morphology was a subcutaneous nodule, followed by ulceration. About half of the patients presented with disseminated skin lesions. The median overall survival was 12.0 months and the 5-year survival rate was 22.0%. There was no correlation between the clinical morphology or the histopathological features of the skin lesions with the patient outcomes. Advanced TNM stage, a disseminated skin lesion, tumor location on the leg or trunk, the presence of B symptoms, and a high International Prognostic Index score were associated with a worse prognosis, and chemoradiotherapy was associated with a better survival outcome as compared with chemotherapy alone in univariable analyses. In multivariable analyses, only advanced TNM stage and tumor location on the leg were associated with a worse prognosis. In conclusion, PCENKTL is an aggressive cutaneous lymphoma and its prognosis is associated with TNM stage and tumor location.

Non-mycosis fungoides cutaneous lymphomas in a referral center in Taiwan: A retrospective case series and literature review

Background

While mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) are the most common cutaneous lymphomas (CLs), there is limited data about non-MF/SS CLs.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate clinical characteristics of non-MF/SS CLs.

Methods

A retrospective analysis evaluated patients with non-MF/SS CLs covering a period of 17 years. The records of 59 patients with non-MF/SS CLs were reviewed for demographic profiles, clinical features, and survival outcomes.

Results

Our series consisted of 38 non-MF/SS cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) and 21 cutaneous B-cell lymphomas (CBCLs). In the group of non-MF/SS CTCLs including 33 primary and five secondary cases, there were cases of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (15.3% of non-MF/SS CLs), extranodal natural killer/ T-cell lymphoma (13.5%), peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (13,5%), adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (8.5%), subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (6.8%) and angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (6.8%). In the group of CBCLs including nine primary and 12 secondary cases, there were cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (22.0%), mantle cell lymphoma (5.1%), extranodal marginal lymphoma of mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (3.4%), follicle center lymphoma (3.4%) and intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (1.7%). The overall survivals were 57 months for non-MF/SS CTCLs and 41.5 months for CBCLs. Elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase level, thrombocytopenia, multiple anatomical sites of skin involvement and lower albumin level may be associated with poor prognosis in non-MF/SS CTCLs, but the latter two were not in CBCLs.

Conclusion

With this series, we hope to provide indigenous data and outcome of non-MF/SS CLs. The overall survival of non-MF/SS CTCLs was better than CBCLs.

Primary cutaneous peripheral T-cell lymphoma with a late relapse solely in the ileum mimicking monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Primary cutaneous peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PC-PTCLs) are classified into mycosis fungoides (MF) and other rare specific types; and those do not fit into any specific entities are designated as PTCL, not otherwise specified (NOS), an aggressive neoplasm. Monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma (MEITL) is an aggressive primary intestinal T-cell lymphoma with enteropathy in the non-neoplastic mucosa. We report a rare case of PC-PTCL-NOS with a late relapse solely in the ileum after complete remission. We discuss the importance of evaluating enteropathy, megakaryocyte-associated tyrosine kinase (MATK) immunostaining, and the implication of clonal relationship of metachronous lymphomas.

CASE REPORT

We reviewed the histopathology and immunohistochemistry of the skin tumor from a 68-year-old female and the relapsed intestinal T-cell lymphoma. The tumor cells "trans-regressed" from large and pleomorphic in the skin to small/medium-sized cells with clear cytoplasm in the ileum; and furthermore, there was immunophenotypic alteration. However, there was no enteropathy in the non-tumoral ileal mucosa adjacent to the tumor proper and both the cutaneous and ileal tumors were negative for MATK. Clonality study showed clonal TRG and TRB rearrangement with identical band sizes of the amplicons, confirming primary cutaneous tumor with a late relapse in the ileum.

CONCLUSIONS

Although PC-PTCL-NOS is an aggressive neoplasm, rare cases such as this might have a long-term survival. Furthermore, the late relapse mimicking MEITL is intriguing and exceptional, in spite the fact that MEITL is a primary intestinal T-cell lymphoma with a typical histopathology and immunophenotype. Detailed clinicopathological and molecular studies are mandatory to elucidate the clonal relationship of metachronous lymphomas, as this has important clinical implication for treatment. Evaluation of the non-tumoral intestinal mucosa for enteropathy and immunostaining for MATK might help to differentiate a mimicker from a true MEITL.

Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type, in Senegal

INTRODUCTION

The distribution of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTCL) is highly inhomogeneous throughout the world. In Sub-Saharan Africa, despite the precocity of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and its endemicity, ENKTCL remains exceptionally reported. The purpose of this study was to report the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, and evolutionary characteristics of ENKTCL at the Aristide LeDantec University Hospital in Dakar, Senegal.

METHODOLOGY

A 5-year retrospective review of all patients with histopathological, immunohistochemical, and in situ hybridization proven cutaneous lymphomas RESULTS: We collected seven cases corresponding to a frequency of 1.4 cases per year. ENKTCL accounted for 10.5% of all cutaneous lymphomas, ranking second after T-cell lymphomas. Men were predominantly affected (M : F ratio of 6), and the mean age was 38.5 years ± 4.06. The mean time before consultation was 7.3 months. The lymphomas affected primarily the nasal cavity in five cases and the skin in two cases. At admission, six patients had nasal mucosa involvement, which was isolated in three cases, associated with cutaneous lesions in three cases and lymph node involvement in three cases. CD56 was positive in only one case, and Eber transcribed RNA of EBV was expressed by in situ hybridization in all patients.

DISCUSSION

To our knowledge, we have reported the first and largest series of ENKTCL in Sub-Saharan Africa. Our study shows an intermediate prevalence between that reported from Asia, Latin America, and the West. It was also noted a young age of patients, a prolonged diagnostic delay, a frequent negativity of CD56 marker, and a very poor prognosis of the disease in our region.

Oral and Cutaneous Lymphomas other than Mycosis Fungoides and Sézary Syndrome in a Mexican Cohort: Recategorization and Evaluation of International Geographical Disparities

Background:

Nonmycosis fungoides/Sézary syndrome (non-MF/SS) primary cutaneous lymphomas (PCL) are currently categorized under the 2005-World Health Organization/European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (WHO-EORTC) classification for PCL. These differ in behavior from secondary cutaneous lymphomas (SCL) and to lymphomas limited to the oral cavity (primary oral lymphomas [POL]) both categorized under the 2016-WHO classification for lymphoid neoplasms.

Aims:

This study aims to report the first series of non-MF/SS PCL, SCL, and POL in a Mexican cohort, examine the applicability of current classification systems and compare our findings with those from foreign cohorts.

Materials and Methods:

Eighteen non-MF/SS PCL, four SCL, and two POL with available tissue for morphology and immunophenotypic assessment were reclassified according to the 2005-WHO/EORTC and 2016-WHO classifications.

Results:

Non-MF/SS PCLs were primarily of T-cell origin (61%) where CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders predominated, followed by Epstein–Barr virus-induced lymphomas, and peripheral T-cell lymphomas, not otherwise specified. Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas (BCL) were primarily of follicle center cell origin followed by postgerminal lymphomas of the diffuse large BCL variety.

Conclusions:

Most non-MF/SS PCL, SCL, and POL can be adequately categorized according to the 2005-WHO/EORTC and 2016-WHO classification systems, even when dealing with clinically atypical cases. The relative frequencies in our cohort hold closer similarities to Asian registries than from those of Europe/USA, supporting the concept of individual and/or racial susceptibility, and the notion of geographical variances in the rate of lymphomas. In particular, such disparity may arise from viral-induced lymphomas which might show partial geographical restriction.

Pyoderma gangrenosum preceding the onset of extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a neutrophilic dermatosis that may be associated with systemic diseases. The association of PG with lymphoid malignancies has rarely been reported. Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) is a rare but aggressive entity with a poor prognosis. Here, we report the case of a patient who had idiopathic PG refractory to systemic steroids and subsequently developed ENKTL.

CASE REPORT

A 70-year-old man presented with a 2-month history of intermittent fever and multifocal painful papules, plaques, and ulcerations on his extremities. The histological and culture results of the lesions were consistent with those of PG. A thorough work-up was performed and did not demonstrate any underlying systemic diseases including malignancy. The PG lesions were refractory to systemic steroid therapy. An enlarging nodule was observed over his right infraorbital area 4 months after the onset of the skin eruptions. The nodule was later biopsied and diagnosed as ENKTL by using histopathological and immunohistochemical studies. Fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography revealed multiple intense fludeoxyglucose-avid masses in the bones and lungs, suggesting multiorgan metastases. The patient rejected chemotherapy and died 4 weeks after the diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

The present case indicates that in any patient with idiopathic PG refractory to conventional therapy, the presence of any underlying disease or malignancy must be thoroughly evaluated. The present case serves as a reminder that when assessing patients with PG, clinicians should increase their awareness regarding the delayed association with malignancy, even in the absence of a concomitant systemic disease at presentation. Furthermore, the prompt evaluation of any suspicious lesions in the context of PG for the possibility of a malignant nature can improve the prognosis, particularly in cases of aggressive malignancy. Understanding the cutaneous spectrum of ENKTL is crucial because of its variable clinical appearance and aggressive nature. Our case demonstrates that PG can be a presenting sign of ENKTL.

A Clinicopathological Analysis of Primary Cutaneous Lymphomas: A 6-year Observational Study at a Tertiary Care Center of South India

BACKGROUND

Little data are available concerning clinical and pathological patterns of cutaneous lymphomas in India.

AIM

To analyze the clinical and histopathological characteristics of cutaneous lymphomas in Indian patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a single-center, prospective, observational study carried out from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2015. The patients underwent clinical examination, human T-cell lymphotropic virus-1 (HTLV-1) screening, skin biopsy with hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemistry staining.

RESULTS

Among 35 cases, 33 (94.3%) were T-cell, and 2 (5.7%) were B-cell lymphomas. The mean age was 52.66, and the male to female ratio was 2.5:1. The most common types of T-cell lymphomas included mycosis fungoides (MF) (57.1%) followed by adult T-cell lymphoma/leukemia (ATL) (17.1%). Primary cutaneous peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified was diagnosed in 17.1% and anaplastic large cell lymphoma in 2.9%. The morphological types of MF included polymorphic, poikilodermatous, folliculotropic, hypopigmented, hyperpigmented, mixed, and purpuric. Skin manifestations of ATL included ulcerated plaques and erythroderma. Epidermotropism was very marked in ATL (83.3%) than in MF (70%). Larger Pautrier's microabscess was noted in ATL compared to smaller ones in MF. Markedly dense, diffuse infiltrate of atypical cells was noted in ATL in contrast to mild to moderate nodular or perivascular infiltrate in MF. ATL had an extremely poor prognosis.

LIMITATIONS

Identification of DNA integration of HTLV-1 by Southern blot could not be analyzed, and the number of cases studied is limited.

CONCLUSIONS

The study showed unique patterns of subtypes of cutaneous lymphomas in our country. Variations in the clinical pattern and histopathological analysis will help to differentiate T-cell lymphoma types which have prognostic implications.

A dramatic presentation of an unusual form of cutaneous lymphoma

We report an unusual and dramatic presentation of a rare form of cutaneous lymphoma, known as subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL). This patient presented with a pruritic, florid and purpuric rash that was diagnosed as lobular panniculitis and treated with oral steroids for 1 year with no success. His skin lesions would return each time oral corticosteroids were being weaned off. Upon presentation to our clinic, repeated deep skin biopsies with immunohistochemical analysis coupled with the clinical history of persistent B symptoms and the presence of pancytopenia helped clinched the rare diagnosis of SPTCL with hemophagocytosis. The patient was then started on cyclosporine and dexamethasone before definitive chemotherapy. This rare and diagnostically challenging condition is commonly misdiagnosed as benign panniculitis or eczema, and highlights the importance of repeated skin biopsies.

Cutaneous lymphoma in Japan: a nationwide study of 1733 patients

Types of cutaneous lymphoma (CL) and their incidences may vary among geographic areas or ethnic groups. The present study aimed to investigate the incidences of various CL in Japan, using epidemiological data from a nationwide registration system for CL. Between 2007 and 2011, 1733 new patients with CL were registered from over 600 dermatological institutes in Japan. The 1733 patients registered included 1485 (85.7%) patients with mature T- and natural killer (NK)-cell neoplasms, 224 (12.9%) with B-cell neoplasms and 24 (1.4%) with blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm. Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common CL subtype in the present study (750 patients, 43.3%). The proportion of MF patients with early-stage disease was 73%, similar to that of previous studies from other cohorts. The incidence rates of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type were 16.7% and 2.0%, respectively, which may account for the higher incidence of mature T- and NK-cell neoplasms in Japan, as compared with that in the USA and Europe. A male predominance was observed in most types of CL, except for several CL subtypes such as subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma.

Primary extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma of bronchus and lung: A case report and review of literature

Primary pulmonary non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is very rare. It represents less than 1% of all NHL, and 0.5–1% of all primary pulmonary malignancies. Almost all cases of primary pulmonary NHL originate from B‐cell lineage. We present a case of a 53‐year‐old man with primary extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma of the bronchus and lung, presented progressive dyspnea caused by right lower lung consolidation, and pleural effusion. Initial chest computed tomography suggested advanced lung cancer. Bronchofiberscopy showed a polypoid tumor on which a biopsy was performed. Histologically, the diffusely infiltrative atypical cells were positive for cytoplasmic CD3, CD56, granzyme B, and negative for cytokeratin, CD20 immunostains, suggesting NK/T cell lineages. In situ hybridization for Epstein‐Barr virus encoded ribonucleic acid (EBER) was positive. Herein, we discuss the clinicopathological features of this case and review the literature on primary extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma of the lung. Compared with other patients, who died after the first cycle of chemotherapy and/or within three months, our patient had longer survival under aggressive chemotherapy and auto‐peripheral blood stem cell transplantation.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in asians

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma describes a heterogeneous group of neoplasms of skin homing T cells that vary considerably in clinical presentation, histologic appearance, immunophenotype, and prognosis. This paper addresses the cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in Asians with respect to clinical-epidemiologic and histopathological features. Compared with Western countries, Asia usually has higher rates of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas such as extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, hydroa vacciniforme-like lymphoma, subcutaneous panniculitis T-cell lymphoma, and adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and lower rates of cutaneous B-cell lymphomas. Among many variants of mycosis fungoides, hypopigmented lesions, pityriasis lichenoides-like lesions, and ichthyosiform lesions are more prevalent in Asia than in the West. Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma is endemic in southwestern Japan especially in the Kyushu island. The clinicopathologic characteristics of cutaneous lymphoma vary according to geography, and this may be ascribed to genetic and environmental etiologic factors.

Primary cutaneous diffuse large B cell lymphoma relapsed solely as a huge lung tumor mimicking a primary pulmonary lymphoma

Primary cutaneous large B cell lymphoma, leg type (PCLBCL-leg) has recently been identified and recognized as a specific entity. Patients with PCLBCL-leg have a higher relapse rate and a poorer prognosis than the other types of primary cutaneous B cell lymphomas, and disease relapse is confined to the skin in the majority of cases with rare exclusive extracutaneous progression. The late occurrence of lymphoma in patients with a prior history of lymphoma may represent a relapse/progression or a distinct tumor unrelated to the original one. The distinction is of important clinical and therapeutic implications. Here, we report the case of a 90-year-old lady with a history of PCLBCL-leg in complete remission after radiotherapy that developed a huge, solitary pulmonary lymphoma without lymphadenopathy 14 months later. The latter was initially considered as stage IE primary pulmonary lymphoma and was treated with combination chemotherapy resulting in complete remission. Retrospective pathologic review and B cell clonality study revealed that the pulmonary tumor was a diffuse large B cell lymphoma of the same clonal origin as the PCLBCL-leg. This case is unique in the exclusive pulmonary relapse and illustrates the importance of expert pathological review and molecular study in the management of lymphoma patients with unusual clinical features.