Premium
Cutaneous diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma of the leg associated with chronic lymphedema
Author(s) -
GonzálezVela M. Carmen,
GonzálezLópez Marcos A.,
ValBernal J. Fernando,
FernándezLlaca Héctor
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
international journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.677
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1365-4632
pISSN - 0011-9059
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2008.03375.x
Subject(s) - medicine , lymphoma , biopsy , nodule (geology) , abdomen , lymphedema , pelvis , radiation therapy , lymphatic system , radiology , complication , pathology , surgery , cancer , paleontology , breast cancer , biology
Development of malignant tumors is a rare but well known complication in chronic lymphedema (CL). We report herein a cutaneous diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma of the leg associated with CL. An 89‐year‐old man presented with multiple cutaneous lesions on his right limb that showed a CL. Dermatological examination disclosed multiple violaceous, firm, slightly infiltrated nodules on the anterior aspect of the leg and the dorsum and sole of the foot. A biopsy of one nodule of the leg disclosed a diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma, type of the legs. There was no evidence of lymphadenopathy on computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. A bone marrow aspiration and biopsy showed normal results. The patient was treated with local radiotherapy at a dose of 40 Gy, obtaining a highly significant, almost complete, clinical remission. A literature search identified 11 additional cases of primary cutaneous lymphoma associated with CL. An inadequate lymphatic drainage may make the lymphedematous region an immunologically vulnerable area, predisposing to neoplasia.