Cutaneous gamma/delta T-cell lymphoma: a histopathologic mimicker of lupus erythematosus profundus (lupus panniculitis)

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007 Apr;56(4):643-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2006.08.029.

Abstract

In the newly revised World Health Organization (WHO)-European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) consensus classification for cutaneous lymphomas, cutaneous gamma/delta T-cell lymphoma (CGD-TCL) has been included as a provisional entity. This type of lymphomas, when involving the subcutaneous fat, can mimic both clinically and histologically other more indolent conditions, such as subcutaneous panniculitic T-cell lymphomas (SPTCL) and lupus erythematosus profundus (LEP), and multiple biopsies may be needed to obtain a correct diagnosis. A good correlation of the clinical data with the histopathology and immunohistochemistry are required for diagnosis. Herein, we describe a patient whose initial histopathologic findings ressembled LEP but presented an aggressive clinical course. A new biopsy was performed during the follow-up, and a final diagnosis of CGD-TCL was made.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Disease Progression
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Genes, T-Cell Receptor gamma / genetics*
  • Genetic Markers
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous / classification*
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous / diagnosis
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous / pathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Panniculitis, Lupus Erythematosus / diagnosis
  • Panniculitis, Lupus Erythematosus / pathology*
  • Risk Assessment
  • World Health Organization

Substances

  • Genetic Markers