Cutaneous peripheral T-cell lymphoma associated with a proliferation of B cells

Am J Clin Pathol. 2009 Jun;131(6):810-9. doi: 10.1309/AJCP5W0VOCSVOBRA.

Abstract

Although the new World Health Organization-European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer classification focuses on providing uniformity in the diagnosis of cutaneous lymphomas, cutaneous peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTL) remains a poorly defined subgroup. As follow-up to a study of systemic PTL complicated by a proliferation of B cells, we studied 16 cases of cutaneous PTL that contained morphologically atypical T cells associated with a significant infiltrate of B cells (about 20%-50%). A clonal T-cell receptor gamma chain gene rearrangement was present in all cases. In contrast, a clonal immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangement was present in only 1 case. Clinical staging in 14 cases identified systemic involvement in 2. At last follow-up, both patients with systemic involvement had died of disease, and the majority of patients with primary cutaneous disease were alive (11/12). The presence of numerous atypical B cells and T cells caused diagnostic confusion in these cases. Comprehensive pathologic studies, coupled with clinical staging, are necessary for the accurate diagnosis of this unusual manifestation of cutaneous PTL.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • B-Lymphocytes / pathology*
  • Female
  • Gene Rearrangement, gamma-Chain T-Cell Antigen Receptor / genetics
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral / genetics
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral / pathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Skin Neoplasms / genetics
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*