Primary Cutaneous Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Anaplastic large cell lymphoma, has the following three characteristics of a malignant lymphoma; 1) An irregular large nucleus, called pathologic atypical cells, 2) Eosinophilic cytoplasm, 3) Immunologically positive for Ki-1. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma occurs mostly in the lymph nodes, but about 40% has been observed to occur in other tissues. Skin is the one of the main sources of origin and it is called 'primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma'. METHODS: A 69-year-old male patient with an erythematous nodule, sized 1.5 X 1.7 cm on his right hand dorsum was excised under local anesthesia and on biopsy was diagnosed as 'Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans'. Three months after the local excision and biopsy, same natured mass reoccurred in the same region, and then spontaneous regressed after three weeks. However, metastatic large mass of 4.0 X 5.0 cm, of same nature was observed on the elbow. The large mass was operated with wide excision and biopsy. RESULTS: On final diagnosis, with an immunofluorescent stain with CD30(Ki-1), 'Primary cutaneous large cell lymphoma' was made. After follow up for three years, we did not observed recurrence and metastasis. CONCLUSION: We have reported that we have diagnosed primary cutaneous large cell lymphoma and treated without recurrence and metastasis.