ALK-Negative Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma With Rare Scalp Involvement: A Case Report and Literature Review

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Hematology
• Pathology

Background:

• Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a rare T-cell lymphoma.
• It involves clonal proliferation of atypical large cells.
• Scalp involvement is an uncommon presentation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of ALK-negative, CD30-negative ALCL with scalp involvement.
• To emphasize the diagnostic challenges and management strategies for atypical ALCL presentations.
• To highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in diagnosing rare lymphomas.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a 63-year-old man with subcutaneous nodules and lymphadenopathy.
• Diagnostic workup included physical examination, positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, and histopathological analysis with immunohistochemistry.
• Immunohistochemistry assessed for ALK and CD30 expression.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with scalp nodules, chest wall lesions, and axillary lymphadenopathy.
• PET imaging showed hypermetabolic activity in affected areas, indicative of aggressive lymphoma.
• Histopathology confirmed lymphoma, but immunohistochemistry revealed ALK-negative and CD30-negative status, classifying it as atypical ALCL.

Conclusions:

• This case highlights the rarity of scalp involvement in ALK-negative ALCL.
• Accurate diagnosis requires integrating clinical, imaging, and histological findings.
• A multidisciplinary approach is crucial for effective management of atypical lymphoma presentations.