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Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Presenting as Ulcerative Facial Mass: A Case Report
Hanna M Knauss1, Logan D Glosser1, Azizullah Beran2
1Department of Medical Education, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio, USA.
Case Reports in Oncology
|April 18, 2022
Summary
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), a rare non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), can aggressively mimic skin conditions. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing this aggressive cutaneous lymphoma.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a rare, aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).
- ALCL can present with nonspecific cutaneous manifestations, mimicking common dermatologic conditions.
- Delayed diagnosis of cutaneous ALCL can lead to disease progression.
Observation:
- A case of aggressive cutaneous ALCL mimicking facial cellulitis is presented.
- The lesion rapidly progressed from a small comedone to an exophytic mass within 1 month.
- Initial treatment for suspected bacterial infection was ineffective.
Findings:
- Core needle biopsy confirmed anaplastic lymphoma kinase-negative ALCL.
- The patient responded well to chemotherapy with brentuximab vedotin, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone.
- Imaging after 5 cycles showed a positive response to therapy.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of a broad differential diagnosis for rapidly progressing facial lesions.
- Emphasizes considering lymphoma in cases of facial masses unresponsive to antibiotics.
- Underscores the need for timely diagnosis and treatment of aggressive cutaneous lymphomas.
