A case of primary cutaneous nasal type NK/T-cell lymphoma and review of the literature

Dermatology. 2006;213(4):345-9. doi: 10.1159/000096201.

Abstract

Introduction: Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma subtypes are now better identified thanks to progress in immunohistochemistry. This article describes a new case of primary cutaneous natural killer/T-cell lymphoma of nasal type (NKTL-NT) and reviews 18 other cases of this rare neoplasm.

Case report: A 79-year-old man presented with a 3-cm nodular tumor of the left leg occurring on a primary chronic lymphedema of the legs. The lesion was CD56+, CD3 intracytoplasmic+, CD45+ and Epstein-Barr virus+. A comprehensive workup including CT scan and bone marrow biopsy was negative and a diagnosis of NKTL-NT with a primary cutaneous involvement was made. The patient was free of disease under multi-agent chemotherapy after 24 months of follow-up.

Discussion: After reviewing 18 other cases of primary cutaneous NKTL-NT, we conclude that the prognosis of these lymphomas is usually poor. However, limited cutaneous forms have a longer median survival than extracutaneous variants.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • CD56 Antigen / analysis
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Killer Cells, Natural / pathology*
  • Leg
  • Leukocyte Common Antigens / analysis
  • Lymphedema / diagnosis
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous / diagnosis*
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous / pathology
  • Male
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • CD56 Antigen
  • Leukocyte Common Antigens