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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Multiplexed Fluorescent Immunohistochemical Staining, Imaging, and Analysis in Histological Samples of Lymphoma
Published on: January 9, 2019
Immunocytochemistry and the diagnosis of cutaneous lymphoma
1Department of Dermatopathology, St John's Institute of Dermatology, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK. alistair.robson@gstt.nhs.uk
Insights
Diagnosing cutaneous lymphoid infiltrates can be challenging. This review details immunocytochemistry profiles for cutaneous lymphomas, highlighting interpretation pitfalls for accurate diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Immunohistochemistry
- Oncology
Background:
- Cutaneous lymphoid infiltrates present diagnostic challenges in dermatopathology.
- Immunocytochemistry aids in distinguishing neoplastic from reactive infiltrates.
- Rare disorders and variable immunocytochemical profiles complicate accurate diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present common immunocytochemical profiles of cutaneous lymphomas.
- To discuss potential pitfalls and problems in interpreting these profiles.
- To emphasize the critical role of immunocytochemistry in diagnosing cutaneous lymphomas.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on cutaneous lymphomas and their immunocytochemical profiles.
- Analysis of variant immunocytochemical findings in rare cutaneous lymphoid disorders.
- Discussion of diagnostic challenges and interpretation strategies.
Main Results:
- Common immunocytochemical profiles for various cutaneous lymphomas are detailed.
- Potential diagnostic pitfalls associated with immunocytochemistry are identified.
- The variability of immunocytochemical profiles in rare conditions is highlighted.
Conclusions:
- Immunocytochemistry is an indispensable tool for evaluating cutaneous lymphoid infiltrates.
- Accurate interpretation requires contextual understanding and critical analysis.
- This technique aids pathologists in defining different types of cutaneous lymphomas.
Abstract:
Cutaneous lymphoid infiltrates may pose some of the most difficult diagnostic problems in dermatopathology. Immunocytochemistry is often employed in an effort to determine whether an infiltrate is neoplastic or, in the case of clearly malignant infiltrates, to provide a specific diagnosis. The rarity of these disorders and the variant immunocytochemical profiles they may present further thwart understanding and sometimes prevent an accurate diagnosis. In this review the common immunocytochemical profiles of various cutaneous lymphomas are presented and potential pitfalls and problems considered. Immunocytochemistry is not a diagnostic test but, as in other areas of histopathology, is a highly valuable tool that requires critical interpretation within a context: so applied, it is an indispensable part of the pathologist's arsenal in evaluating lymphoid infiltrates and defining different lymphomas.
