Multiple Primary Cutaneous Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: A Case Report.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCL) are a non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtype, with cutaneous (cALCL) and systemic forms.
• cALCL typically lacks ALK receptor expression and presents as skin lesions, often misdiagnosed due to rarity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of ALK-negative cALCL presenting as persistent skin lesions.
• To emphasize the diagnostic challenge of cALCL and its differentiation from other dermatological conditions.

Main Methods:

• A case presentation of a female patient with a 30-year history of evolving skin lesions.
• Diagnostic procedures included lesion biopsy, which revealed ALK-negative cALCL and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
• Systemic evaluation excluded secondary cALCL.

Main Results:

• Biopsy confirmed primary ALK-negative cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (cALCL).
• The patient also had a concurrent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection.
• Systemic ALCL was ruled out through comprehensive workup.

Conclusions:

• Persistent skin lesions warrant consideration of cALCL in the differential diagnosis.
• Early and accurate diagnosis of cALCL is crucial for appropriate management.
• This case underscores the diagnostic complexities associated with rare cutaneous lymphomas.