Primary cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphoma presenting with hemophagocytic syndrome: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (C-ALCL) is a rare entity of lymphoma. We report a case of C-ALCL presenting with hemophagocytic syndrome and skin lesion with giant ulcer. Histopathological examination of the skin biopsy specimens showed non-epidermotropic infiltrates with cohesive sheets of large tumor cells. The tumor cells showed CD4-, CD8+, CD30+, CD56-, ALK-, TIA-1+, and granzyme B+. C-ALCL is generally a disorder that progresses slowly and has a good prognosis. Manifestation of a giant ulcer and hemophagocytic syndrome, such as in the present case, is rare.