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Cytokeratin positive T cell malignant lymphoma
W G McCluggage1, M el-Agnaff, M D O'Hara
1Department of Pathology, Royal Group of Hospitals Trust, Belfast, UK.
Journal of Clinical Pathology
|August 26, 1998
Summary
This study reports a rare high-grade T-cell lymphoma with unusual cytokeratin positivity. Awareness of this finding is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment of malignant lymphomas.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Immunohistochemistry
Background:
- Malignant lymphomas are cancers of lymphocytes, with T-cell lymphomas representing a distinct subtype.
- Immunohistochemistry is vital for classifying lymphomas, utilizing specific cell markers.
- Cytokeratins are typically markers of epithelial cells, not lymphoid malignancies.
Observation:
- A case of high-grade T-cell lymphoma exhibited weak staining for leukocyte common antigen and T-cell markers.
- Concurrently, tumor cells showed strong cytoplasmic positivity for the anticytokeratin marker CAM 5.2.
- Ultrastructural examination revealed no signs of epithelial differentiation or intermediate filament accumulation.
Findings:
- This represents the first reported instance of a non-CD30 positive T-cell lymphoma demonstrating cytokeratin positivity.
- The coexistence of lymphoid and keratin markers in this lymphoma is an atypical presentation.
- The study highlights that malignant lymphomas can, albeit rarely, express cytokeratins.
Implications:
- This finding presents a potential diagnostic pitfall in lymphoma classification.
- Pathologists must be aware of cytokeratin positivity in lymphomas to avoid misdiagnosis.
- Correct identification is essential for appropriate therapeutic regimens and patient management.