Juan Antonio D. Cervantes, MD, Eunice Kaye M. Rayos-Lopez, MD, DPDS, Ma. Teresita G. Gabriel, MD, FPDS, Reynaldo L. Ugalde, MD, FPDS, Johannes F. Dayrit, MD, FPDS, FDSP Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Muntinlupa City, Philippines Department of Dermatology
Corresponding Author: Juan Antonio D. Cervantes, MD
09178464411
tonycervantesmdrph@gmail.com
Abstract
Introduction: Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (PCALCL) is an uncommonly encountered subtype of cutaneous lymphoma under the classification of CD30-positive lymphoproliferative disorders which presents
histologically as large atypical lymphocytes with pleomorphic and anaplastic cytology that localizes to the dermis.
Although recurrent, PCALCL usually carries a good prognosis, with 5-year survival rates ranging from 85% to 95%.
Case Summary: We report a 73-year-old elderly male who consulted at our out-patient department with a 3-year
and 6-month history of multifocal, gradually enlarging, erythematous nodules with dry, necrotic areas on the scalp,
right auricular area, left axillary area, right forearm, and right thigh, accompanied by loss of appetite and nontender
cervical, left axillary, and right inguinal lymphadenopathy. Previous skin punch biopsy and immunohistochemical
stain done by the patient’s preceding dermatologist was signed out as “suggestive” of pseudolymphoma. However,
management with intralesional corticosteroid injections provided no improvement. Skin punch biopsy done at our
institution revealed ALK negative (-) anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Patient was then referred to an oncologist,
however, the patient was lost to follow-up and succumbed to community acquired pneumonia.
Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of a thorough diagnostic assessment as recent studies indicate a
poorer prognosis of ALK (-) cases, with overall 5-year survival rates consistently below 50%.
Keywords
lymphoma, ALCL, CD30, cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma
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2017;7(1):12
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