Primary cutaneous CD30+ Anaplastic large cell lymphoma

A 58-year-old housewife presented with indurated asymptomatic skin lesions on the right arm and posterior aspect of the left leg for 4 months. From a nearby hospital, she received treatment with topical steroids without much response. Clinical examination revealed multiple erythematous indurated plaque and nodule distributed over the right arm [Figure 1] and posterior aspect of the left leg in popliteal fossa [Figure 2]. A crusted plaque was seen on the right thigh. Skin biopsy showed large lymphoid cells with moderate cytoplasm and scattered mitotic figures [Figures 3 and 4]. Inflammatory infiltrates extended up to the subcutaneous tissue. Immunohistochemistry showed diffuse staining for CD30 [Figure 5] and focal staining for CD4. The inflammatory cells were negative for CD3, CD8, CD20, CD15, and ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase). Ki67 index was about 80%–90% in large cells. With a diagnosis of primary cutaneous CD30+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma, she was started on the CHOP regimen from the hematology department.

Close

Figure 1:

Indurated nodule on the forearm.

Export to PPT

Close

Figure 2:

Erythematous nodule on the posterior aspect of the leg.

Export to PPT

Close

Figure 3:

Large lymphoid cells with moderate cytoplasm and scattered mitotic figures. Inflammatory infiltrate extending up to the subcutaneous tissue (H & E, ×100).

Export to PPT

Close

Figure 4:

Higher magnification showing the large lymphoid cells and the mitotic figures (H & E, ×400).

Export to PPT

Close

Figure 5:

Inflammatory infiltrate showing strong and diffuse staining for CD30 (immunohistochemistry, ×400).

Export to PPT

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) represents a generally recognized group of large cell lymphomas. Defining features consist of a proliferation of predominantly large lymphoid cells with a strong expression of the cytokine receptor CD30 and a characteristic growth pattern. Cutaneous CD30 positive lymphoproliferative disorders may be primary (primary cutaneous ALCL) or secondary (systemic ALCL). Anaplastic large cell lymphoma can be CD30+ or CD30−. CD30 is a member of the cell surface receptors for tumor necrosis factor. The histologic clue to the diagnosis of ALCL, cutaneous or systemic, is the presence of large lymphoid cells, seen in the case presented and also known as “hallmark cells,” with embryonal nuclei, multiple prominent eosinophilic nucleoli, and abundant cytoplasm.