Bi-clonal, multifocal primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphoma: report of a case and review of the literature

J Cutan Pathol. 2012 Sep;39(9):866-71. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0560.2012.01954.x. Epub 2012 Jul 19.

Abstract

Bi-clonality is a rare phenomenon seen in approximately 5% of chronic B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. Both true bi-clonality and somatic hypermutation resulting in intraclonal evolution have been described. We present the case of a 37-year-old female who developed extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma with immunohistochemical studies showing monotypic immunostaining of plasma cells for immunoglobulin lambda light chain on her right arm in 2008. Three years later, she developed a second focus of extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma on her left arm, but immunohistochemical studies demonstrated monotypic immunostaining of plasma cells for immunoglobulin kappa light chain confirmed after repeat analysis. Evaluation for systemic lymphoma with laboratory and imaging studies was negative. Together, the findings were consistent with bi-clonal, multifocal extranodal primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphoma. We present this case to highlight a rare phenomenon within primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphomas.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains / metabolism*
  • Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains / metabolism*
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone* / metabolism
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone* / pathology
  • Neoplasm Proteins / metabolism*
  • Plasma Cells* / metabolism
  • Plasma Cells* / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Skin Neoplasms* / pathology

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin kappa-Chains
  • Immunoglobulin lambda-Chains
  • Neoplasm Proteins