Primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma in the setting of chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Abstract

Primary cutaneous malignancies arising in association with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are notable for their atypical clinical and histological presentation. We report a 69-year-old man with a 17-year history of CLL who presented for evaluation of a well-defined red to violaceous nodule with a central depressed scar on the left lower extremity. Microscopic examination of a punch biopsy revealed an infiltrate of predominantly small lymphocytes with scattered large, atypical epithelioid cells. Immunohistochemical stains revealed diffuse positive staining of the lesional cells with CD20+ and bcl-6+ and focal positive staining with bcl-2+ (negative CD10 and CD23), findings which, in conjunction with the histology, were most compatible with a diagnosis of primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma (PCFCL). A review of the clinical charts revealed several prior biopsies with varied diagnoses. In light of the most recent biopsy findings, all previous biopsies were re-reviewed and interpreted as PCFCL arising in the setting of CLL. Features contributing to the diagnostic conundrum in this case included an atypical clinical and histological presentation, lack of pertinent clinical history and multiple presentations at different institutions.

Multiple facial nodules in an elderly woman

“…Exceptionally, PCFCL may be associated with other cutaneous lymphomas,[ 3 ] aggressive systemic lymphomas,[ 4 ] and in the setting of hematologic diseases. [ 5 ]…”