Cutaneous lymphoma misdiagnosed as chronic lymphadenitis

Int Wound J. 2016 Dec;13(6):1227-1230. doi: 10.1111/iwj.12447. Epub 2015 Apr 22.

Abstract

Cutaneous lymphomas (CLs) represent a group of lymphoproliferative disorders that can be difficult to diagnose in the early stage because they could mimic many benign inflammatory dermatoses (chronic eczema, bullous dermatosis, idiopathic erythroderma, psoriasis, lymphadenitis). Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas are a unique and controversial group of skin lymphomas characterised by the absence of extracutaneous manifestations at diagnosis. We present the case of a 60-year-old man with 7-month history of a growing inguinal mass/tumour, which was misdiagnosed as inguinal chronic lymphadenitis. Recognition of the correct entity, primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma leg type, led to an appropriate therapeutic strategy, knowing that these types of tumours behave more aggressively than other types of primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas. The patient was discharged with rituximab + chemotherapy indication and favourable outcome. The aim of the presentation is to describe these common skin manifestations, however seen in a primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma, which underlines the necessity of rigorous monitoring/long-term follow-up as well as exhaustive histopathological analysis for the diagnosis.

Keywords: B cell; Cutaneous lymphoma; Inflammatory dermatoses; Inguinal wound; Lymphadenitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Chronic Disease
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Errors*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Groin
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lymphadenitis / diagnosis
  • Lymphadenitis / pathology*
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / diagnosis
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / pathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*