Sarcomatoid Variant of Primary Cutaneous Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma

Am J Dermatopathol. 2019 Dec;41(12):e164-e167. doi: 10.1097/DAD.0000000000001483.

Abstract

Sarcomatoid variant of primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma is rare and is a diagnostic challenge. Clinical manifestation often mimics that of an infectious disease. Predominance of spindle cells in the biopsy specimen prevents from suspecting lymphoma. Here, we report the fourth case of this entity with good prognosis. A 30-year-old woman presented with several nodules on the whole body. The biopsy revealed infiltration of spindle cells in the dermis with myxomatous background. The spindle cells were positive for CD4 and CD30 and negative for CD3, CD8, CD20, and anaplastic lymphoma kinase. Although most of the skin lesions spontaneously resolved, a new red nodule progressively expanded on the left axilla. Finally, the patient received chemotherapy, which resulted in complete remission. The patient is free of disease for 18 months.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / administration & dosage
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Cyclophosphamide / administration & dosage
  • Doxorubicin / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, Primary Cutaneous Anaplastic Large Cell / chemistry
  • Lymphoma, Primary Cutaneous Anaplastic Large Cell / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma, Primary Cutaneous Anaplastic Large Cell / pathology*
  • Prednisolone / administration & dosage
  • Sarcoma / chemistry
  • Sarcoma / drug therapy
  • Sarcoma / pathology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / chemistry
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vincristine / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Vincristine
  • Doxorubicin
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Prednisolone

Supplementary concepts

  • VAP-cyclo protocol