Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma: presentation of 2 cases and observations

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma is a rare tumor of primary cutaneous origin representing far < 1% of all non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. The disease typically follows a distinctive, indolent course of recurrent, self-healing subcutaneous nodules. These nodules mimic lipomas clinically, while histologically resembling a panniculitis. Alternatively, a rapidly progressive course might be seen with subcutaneous nodules accompanied by constitutional symptoms and, in some cases, the development of a potentially fatal hemophagocytic syndrome with significant cytopenia. This tumor is widely regarded as a tumor of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells with the presence of cytotoxic proteins, T-cell-restricted intracellular antigen, and granzyme B commonly demonstrated. A number of modalities have been reported in the treatment of this tumor, with varying degrees of success. In this report, we present 2 cases of subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma with variable clinical courses. We also review the literature of this unusual lymphoma.