Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma: presentation of 2 cases and observations

Clin Lymphoma. 2002 Dec;3(3):175-80. doi: 10.3816/clm.2002.n.024.

Abstract

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma is a rare tumor of primary cutaneous origin representing far < 1% of all non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. The disease typically follows a distinctive, indolent course of recurrent, self-healing subcutaneous nodules. These nodules mimic lipomas clinically, while histologically resembling a panniculitis. Alternatively, a rapidly progressive course might be seen with subcutaneous nodules accompanied by constitutional symptoms and, in some cases, the development of a potentially fatal hemophagocytic syndrome with significant cytopenia. This tumor is widely regarded as a tumor of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells with the presence of cytotoxic proteins, T-cell-restricted intracellular antigen, and granzyme B commonly demonstrated. A number of modalities have been reported in the treatment of this tumor, with varying degrees of success. In this report, we present 2 cases of subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma with variable clinical courses. We also review the literature of this unusual lymphoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adipocytes / metabolism
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Cytoplasm / metabolism
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Granzymes
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell / diagnosis*
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell / pathology
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous / diagnosis
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Necrosis
  • Panniculitis / diagnosis*
  • Panniculitis / pathology
  • Salvage Therapy
  • Serine Endopeptidases / metabolism
  • Skin / pathology

Substances

  • GZMB protein, human
  • Granzymes
  • Serine Endopeptidases