Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma with a dermatomal distribution

J Am Acad Dermatol. 1999 Nov;41(5 Pt 2):884-6. doi: 10.1016/s0190-9622(99)70352-x.

Abstract

Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas (CBCLs) are indolent lymphoproliferative skin disorders with the only exception of the variant arising on the legs, which is characterized by a more aggressive clinical course. We report a case of CBCL unusual in that it presented with a dermatome-like distribution and showed early peripheral lymph node involvement. The other noteworthy finding is that rearrangement of the bcl-2 gene was detected by polymerase chain reaction in skin tissue samples. The bcl-2 rearrangement, which is usually absent in the classic CBCLs, is likely to play a role in the aggressive clinical behavior of the tumor, although further studies are necessary to confirm it. The hypothesis of a virus causing the dermatomal presentation is intriguing but there is no proof for such speculation at this point.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Gene Rearrangement
  • Genes, bcl-2 / genetics
  • Humans
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / genetics
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / pathology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Skin / innervation
  • Skin / pathology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / genetics
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*