Open AccessSmall cell variant of ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma with primary subcutaneous presentation
Author(s) -
TangHer Jaing,
TsungYen Chang,
Shih-Hsiang Chen,
YuChuan Wen,
Wen-Yu Chuang,
Chao-Ping Yang
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.59
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1536-5964
pISSN - 0025-7974
DOI - 10.1097/md.0000000000011222
Subject(s) - medicine , anaplastic large cell lymphoma , presentation (obstetrics) , large cell , anaplastic lymphoma kinase , lymphoma , oncology , cancer research , cancer , radiology , adenocarcinoma , lung cancer , malignant pleural effusion
Rationale: The rare morphological variant of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) may pose a challenge in diagnosis, especially when presentation primarily involves skin lesions. Patient concerns: Here we describe a rare case of small cell variant of ALCL in an 11-year-old girl. Diagnosis: We performed clinical, morphological, and immunohistochemical analyses of developed cutaneous nodules. Interventions: Pathologists should consider this small cell variant in ALCL differential diagnosis, as early and correct diagnosis has important clinical implications. Outcomes: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation appears to be a promising treatment option for small cell variant of ALCL. Lessons: Histological diagnosis of small cell variant of ALCL is challenging among pediatricians because of its low incidence and atypical presentation. We provide a short review of the small cell variant of ALCL to facilitate the diagnosis of this difficult-to-recognize entity.