ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The association between scleroderma and lymphoma is uncommon and can sometimes query an fortuitous association. More particular are observations where chronological and histological features show an evident link between a tumorous process and sclerosis. OBSERVATION: This case concerns a man 69 years old who was treated for one year for partial subcutaneous sclerosis present on his legs, thighs, fore-arms, and on the upper part of the trunk. No signs were present of visceral involvement evoking a systemic scleroderma and histology showed an intrication of a deep sclerosis, fasciitis and a tumoral lymphoma process. Diagnosis of lymphocytic lymphoma was confirmed. Initiating a chemotherapy (CHOP) allowed for a reduction of the sclerosis which didn't respond to the only corticotherapy. DISCUSSION: This observation can be linked to the association of fasciitis and lymphoma identified by Naschitz et al, but is different by: 1) the clinical aspect which correspond more to deep morphea lesions; 2) the histological link between sclerosis and lymphoma. This last point suggest that it is the tumoral population which have induced the sclerosis process linked to the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors. In adverse cases with longer delay between lymphoma and scleroderma this association may be fortuitous.
