Junctional CD8+ cutaneous lymphomas with nonaggressive clinical behavior: a CD8+ variant of mycosis fungoides?

Arch Dermatol. 2002 Feb;138(2):199-203. doi: 10.1001/archderm.138.2.199.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and prognostic features in primary cutaneous CD8+ T-cell lymphomas, which are rare and considered to be aggressive cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders.

Design: Single-center retrospective study.

Setting: Lymphoma clinic (referral center) of a university hospital.

Patients: Three patients presented with CD8+ cutaneous lymphoma characterized by a patchlike pattern and hyperpigmentation.

Results: Histological analysis revealed a CD3+, CD8+ small-cell infiltrate showing a remarkable affinity to the dermoepidermal junction zone. Clonality for the T-cell receptor gamma chain was detected by polymerase chain reaction followed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. The clinical presentation lasted several years (6 and 9 years, respectively) before the correct diagnosis was made. Treatment with nontoxic approaches (UV-B and local steroids) was successful. Aggressive clinical behavior was not observed.

Conclusions: Our 3 cases of junctional CD8+ cutaneous T-cell lymphomas were characterized by hyperpigmentation and nonaggressive clinical behavior. This type of lymphoma, which can be considered a CD8+ mycosis fungoides variant, must be distinguished from other types of cutaneous CD8+ lymphomas so that overtreatment can be avoided.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antigens, CD / analysis
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / pathology*
  • Female
  • Gene Rearrangement, gamma-Chain T-Cell Antigen Receptor
  • Humans
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Lymphocyte Count
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous / genetics
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous / immunology
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous / pathology*
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous / therapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycosis Fungoides / immunology
  • Mycosis Fungoides / pathology*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Skin / pathology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / genetics
  • Skin Neoplasms / immunology
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / therapy

Substances

  • Antigens, CD