Primary Cutaneous Follicular Lymphoma: An Assessment of Clinical, Histopathologic, Immunophenotypic, and Molecular Features

Abstract

We demonstrated Bcl-2 protein expression and t(14;18)(q32;q21) in a significant minority of cases, suggesting a relationship with NFL. It remains to be seen whether, on longer follow-up, there is any clinical difference in cases with and without t(14;18)(q32;q21).

Cutaneous lymphoma incidence patterns in the United States: a population-based study of 3884 cases

“…23,24 We found cutaneous follicle center lymphoma had the highest frequency (70%) of head and neck tumors consistent with an earlier study (75%). 25 Our study revealed major racial differences in IRs among CL subtypes. Blacks had statistically higher IR of CTCL and MF than other races, consistent with previous studies.…”

WHO-EORTC classification for cutaneous lymphomas

“…Importantly, in PCFCLs with a follicular growth pattern there are no differences in clinical presentation and behavior between bcl-2 and/or t(14;18)-positive and -negative cases. 36,152,[165][166][167] In contrast, recent studies suggest that expression of bcl-2 protein by more than 50% of the neoplastic B cells in PCFCLs with a diffuse proliferation of large centrocytes, observed in approximately 15% of cases, is associated with a more unfavorable prognosis. 158 Further studies are warranted to define the clinical and biological significance of bcl-2 expression and/or the presence of t(14;18) observed in some cases of PCFCL.…”

“…36,37,41 However, recent studies report the presence of t(14;18) and/or bcl-2 expression in a significant minority of PCFCLs. 43,153,[165][166][167] Whether these discrepant results are the result of differences in patient selection (eg, incomplete staging) or different definitions for bcl-2 positivity, or represent regional differences is as yet unknown. Importantly, in PCFCLs with a follicular growth pattern there are no differences in clinical presentation and behavior between bcl-2 and/or t(14;18)-positive and -negative cases.…”

Cutaneous B‐cell lymphoma: Pathological spectrum and clinical outcome in 51 consecutive patients

“…Although many patients have clonal IgH rearrangements, most lack the t(14;18) [28][29][30][31]. The relationship of these cases to typical nodal follicular lymphoma is far from clear and requires further study.…”