Lymphohistiocytic anaplastic large cell lymphoma stage I: long-term survival after resection alone

A 17-year-old female presented with axillary lymphoadenopathy, which, on biopsy, demonstrated an anaplastic large cell lymphoma of the lymphohistiocytic type (ALCL-LH). The tumor cells expressed the CD30 antigen and reacted with the ALK1 antibody, suggesting the presence of the nucleophosmin-anaplastic large cell lymphoma kinase (NPM/ALK) fusion protein. No other adenopathy was found. Following a wide excision of the lymph node and without postoperative treatment, the patient remains free of disease 5 years later. This case demonstrates the potential curability of patients with early stages of ALCL by local treatment.