Primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a clinicopathologic study of 15 cases

Am J Clin Pathol. 2002 Apr;117(4):574-80. doi: 10.1309/edal-r8ha-u3el-t37d.

Abstract

Primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an uncommon lymphoma. Some authors have suggested that large B-cell lymphoma can be segregated based on anatomic site, with tumors of the lower extremity being unique. We report 15 cases of primary cutaneous DLBCL. Each case was analyzed immunohistochemically using antibodies specific for CD3, CD5, CD10, CD20, bcl-2, bcl-6, and p53. Polymerase chain reaction analysis for t(14;18)(q32;q21) also was performed. There were 13 men and 2 women (median age, 64 years). Thirteen tumors were composed predominantly of centroblasts, and 2 were immunoblastic. There was a median follow-up of 72 months. Of the 4 patients with primary cutaneous DLBCL of the lower extremity (thigh, knee, leg), 2 (50%) experienced a recurrence and 1 patient died of disease. In the non-lower extremity cases, 18% (2/11) recurred and no patients died of disease. We conclude that primary cutaneous DLBCL usually occurs in elderly patients with a male predominance. Recurrences are common, but death of disease is rare.

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, CD / analysis
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 14
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 18
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / analysis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / genetics
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / pathology*
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / genetics
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / pathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / analysis
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / analysis
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-6
  • Skin Neoplasms / genetics
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Transcription Factors / analysis
  • Translocation, Genetic
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / analysis

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-6
  • Transcription Factors
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53