A Case-Based Review of Cutaneous CD30-Positive Lymphoproliferative Disorders

CD30-positive lymphoproliferative disorders are a group of diseases which represent the second most common (30 percent) subgroup of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. They present a challenging diagnosis given their similar findings histologically and clinically in comparison to other cutaneous pathologies. Use of immunohistochemical staining to identify CD30 positivity facilitates a more rapid development of the appropriate management plan. Here we present two cases of CD30-positive lymphoproliferative disorders (lymphomatoid papulosis and anaplastic large cell lymphoma), analyze the spectrum of CD30-positive lymphoproliferative disorders, and review potential mimics of these pathologies to ensure the proper workup, diagnosis, and management of such diseases.