Assuntos
Linfoma Anaplásico de Células Grandes , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes , Transtornos Linfoproliferativos , Dermatopatias , Neoplasias Cutâneas , Humanos , Metotrexato/efeitos adversos , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/induzido quimicamente , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/diagnóstico , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias Cutâneas/induzido quimicamente , Neoplasias Cutâneas/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Cutâneas/tratamento farmacológico , Linfoma Anaplásico de Células Grandes/induzido quimicamente , Linfoma Anaplásico de Células Grandes/diagnóstico , Linfoma Anaplásico de Células Grandes/tratamento farmacológico , Transtornos Linfoproliferativos/induzido quimicamente , Transtornos Linfoproliferativos/diagnóstico , Transtornos Linfoproliferativos/patologiaRESUMO
Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a kind of cluster of differentiation 30+ primary cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders with a relatively good prognosis in the absence of high-stage disease. Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma shows a higher frequency in males and commonly affects the head and neck. Palpebral involvement is very rare. We present a 42-year-old lady patient with primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma involving the eyelid which was initially misdiagnosed as stye. The patient underwent a total excision of the lesion and showed complete regression of the lesion after surgery without any other treatment. There was no evidence of local or systemic disease during follow-up after nine months.
Assuntos
Linfoma Anaplásico de Células Grandes , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes , Dermatopatias , Neoplasias Cutâneas , Adulto , Pálpebras/patologia , Pálpebras/cirurgia , Feminino , Humanos , Linfoma Anaplásico de Células Grandes/diagnóstico , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/diagnóstico , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/patologia , Masculino , Neoplasias Cutâneas/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Cutâneas/patologia , Neoplasias Cutâneas/cirurgiaRESUMO
ABSTRACT: Primary cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (C-ALCL) is a cutaneous CD30-positive lymphoproliferative disorder. The patients usually present with single or multiple cutaneous nodules or papules and about 10% cases present with extracutaneous manifestations, which are predominantly in the form of regional lymph nodal involvement. Visceral involvement especially pulmonary or hepatic involvement in C-ALCL is only rarely described in the scientific literature. Approximately 20%-42% cases show spontaneous regression, about 50% cases may recur; however, C-ALCL generally carries a good prognosis. We present a rare case of primary C-ALCL in a 66-year-old man with regional lymph nodal and hepatic involvement. Differential diagnostic entities are discussed in this report with the review of the literature.
Assuntos
Linfoma Anaplásico de Células Grandes , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes , Transtornos Linfoproliferativos , Dermatopatias , Neoplasias Cutâneas , Idoso , Humanos , Linfoma Anaplásico de Células Grandes/diagnóstico , Linfoma Anaplásico de Células Grandes/patologia , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/diagnóstico , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/patologia , Transtornos Linfoproliferativos/patologia , Masculino , Recidiva Local de Neoplasia , Receptores Proteína Tirosina Quinases , Neoplasias Cutâneas/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Cutâneas/patologiaRESUMO
The cutaneous lymphomas are malignancies of T-cell and B-cell lymphocytes in which the skin is the primary organ of involvement. The cutaneous T-cell lymphomas include variants that can mimic the presentation of common skin diseases or arthropod bites. Mycosis fungoides, the most common cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, usually presents as fixed asymptomatic patches or plaques in sun-protected areas. The cutaneous B-cell lymphomas have fewer variants that often present as papules or nodules that can mimic nonmelanoma skin cancers. Some therapies for cutaneous lymphoma have unique side effects such as central hypothyroidism, hyperlipidemia, and peripheral neuropathy.
Assuntos
Linfoma Cutâneo de Células T/diagnóstico , Linfoma Cutâneo de Células T/terapia , Dermatopatias/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Cutâneas/patologia , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Animais , Antineoplásicos/efeitos adversos , Antineoplásicos Imunológicos/efeitos adversos , Artrópodes , Bexaroteno/efeitos adversos , Mordeduras e Picadas/diagnóstico , Brentuximab Vedotin/efeitos adversos , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Humanos , Hiperlipidemias/induzido quimicamente , Hipotireoidismo/induzido quimicamente , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/diagnóstico , Linfoma Cutâneo de Células T/classificação , Papulose Linfomatoide/diagnóstico , Micose Fungoide/diagnóstico , Doenças do Sistema Nervoso Periférico/induzido quimicamente , Prognóstico , Síndrome de Sézary/diagnóstico , Dermatopatias/patologiaRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: CD30+ primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (PC-ALCL) is a rare T-cell neoplasm, and has been reported to present with an indolent behavior. The PC-ALCL with aggressive behavior has not been reported in the literature. PATIENT CONCERNS: We treated a patient with PC-ALCL that exhibited indolent behavior in the past 2âyears and aggressive behavior within the last 3âmonths before presentation. DIAGNOSIS: Aggressive CD30+ primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma. INTERVENTIONS: The radiotherapy regimen was individualized in terms of the target volume delineation and dose prescription, and the dose-response relationship was evaluated. OUTCOMES: The mean distance of microscopic infiltration was 14.1âmm in depth and 14.3âmm circumferentially. The lesion completely regressed after the delivery of 40âGy in 20 fractions over 4âweeks. The tumor did not recur over the next year. CONCLUSION: An aggressive disease course is rare for indolent CD30+ PC-ALCL, which has similar histopathological characteristics as indolent PC-ALCL. The radiotherapy strategy should be individualized with curative intent.
Assuntos
Fracionamento da Dose de Radiação , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/radioterapia , Neoplasias Cutâneas/radioterapia , Pele/patologia , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Humanos , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/diagnóstico , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/patologia , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Masculino , Estadiamento de Neoplasias , Dosagem Radioterapêutica , Pele/diagnóstico por imagem , Neoplasias Cutâneas/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Cutâneas/patologia , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
El linfoma de células T epidermotropo agresivo CD8+ o linfoma de Berti es un subtipo infrecuente de los linfomas primarios cutáneos, descripto en 1999. Aún se considera una entidad provisional en la última clasificación de linfomas cutáneos primarios de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Predomina en los hombres adultos y se manifiesta con pápulas, placas hiperqueratósicas y tumores ulcerados, diseminados y de inicio agudo. En la histopatología, es característica la presencia de un infiltrado de linfocitos atípicos medianos CD8 +, con epidermotropismo de patrón pagetoide. Tiene un comportamiento agresivo y es de mal pronóstico, con una sobrevida a los 5 años menor del 40%. Si bien esta entidad es un reto terapéutico, el tratamiento inicial se basa en poliquimioterapia y/o trasplante de células hematopoyéticas.
The aggressive epidermotropic CD8+ T-cell lymphoma or Berti's lymphoma, is a rare subtype of primary cutaneous lymphomas, first described in 1999. It is still considered a provisional entity by the latest World Health Organization classification of cutaneous lymphomas. Patients are commonly adults with a male predominance and it is characterized by widespread rapid evolving papules, hyperkeratotic annular plaques and ulcerated tumors. Histopathologicfindingsarecharacteristic,withaninfiltrate of medium-sized CD8+ atypical lymphocytes involving the epidermis with a pagetoid pattern. Ithasanaggressivebehaviorandtheprognosisispoor with a 5-yearsurvival less than 40%. Instead these disease represents a therapeutic challenge, the initial treatment consists on polychemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Assuntos
Humanos , Neoplasias Cutâneas , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/diagnóstico , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas , Quimioterapia Combinada , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/terapiaRESUMO
Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) type E is a rare variant of the primary cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders, characterized clinically by large necrotic eschar-like lesions and histopathologically by angiodestructive and angioinvasive infiltrates of CD30+ lymphocytes. As in other forms of lymphomatoid papulosis, type E lesions may undergo spontaneous regression after weeks, with frequent recurrences. We report a 21-year old male with an angiodestructive infiltrate of CD30+ lymphocytes manifesting as a papular eruption rather than ulceration, and suggest that this clinical phenotype might be related to the presence of CD4+ lymphocytes in the inflammatory cell infiltrate.
Assuntos
Vasos Sanguíneos/patologia , Linfócitos T CD4-Positivos/metabolismo , Papulose Linfomatoide/patologia , Neoplasias Cutâneas/patologia , Negro ou Afro-Americano/etnologia , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Foliculite/diagnóstico , Foliculite/etiologia , Humanos , Antígeno Ki-1/metabolismo , Perda de Seguimento , Linfonodos/patologia , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/diagnóstico , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/patologia , Papulose Linfomatoide/classificação , Papulose Linfomatoide/diagnóstico , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Fenótipo , Prognóstico , Adulto JovemRESUMO
PURPOSE: Two new cases of primary cutaneous CD30+ anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (cALCL) of the eyelid are reported; these are analysed alongside existing cases to identify challenges relating to the diagnosis and management of such rare lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A review of existing literature on the PubMed database is conducted using the keywords: 'eyelid lymphoid proliferations', 'lymphoma of the eyelid', and 'primary cutaneous CD30+, ALK-anaplastic large-cell lymphoma of the eyelid'. Two new cases of cALCL are reported. Cases where patients present solely with a nodular periocular lesion are analysed for recurrence and survival rate. RESULTS: Two new patients with a painless ulcerated nodule on the upper eyelid receive a confirmed diagnosis of cALCL after undergoing an excisional biopsy. The first, elderly patient has spontaneous remission; the second patient, with a concomitant chronic infection of hepatitis C virus (HCV), presents a more diffuse disease at the onset and requires radiotherapy. Together with 13 patients a primary cALCL identified from 11 previous studies, this constitutes a cohort of 15 patients. Of these, 10 present with an exclusively nodular lesion of the eyelid and four experience disease recurrence; no deaths from cALCL are reported. CONCLUSION: Differential diagnosis between primary cALCL and lymphomatoid papulosis is essential and requires careful consideration of clinical and pathologic features. Radiologic staging examination is crucial in order to exclude systemic ALCL, particularly for patients with comorbidity. Though cALCL has the pathological features of a malignant lesion, the prognosis seems favourable for patients; a relatively high percentage even experience spontaneous resolution.
Assuntos
Linfoma Anaplásico de Células Grandes , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes , Neoplasias Cutâneas , Idoso , Pálpebras , Humanos , Antígeno Ki-1 , Linfoma Anaplásico de Células Grandes/diagnóstico , Linfoma Anaplásico de Células Grandes/terapia , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/diagnóstico , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/terapia , Recidiva Local de NeoplasiaAssuntos
Linfoma Anaplásico de Células Grandes , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes , Neoplasias Cutâneas , Pré-Escolar , Humanos , Linfoma Anaplásico de Células Grandes/diagnóstico , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Cutâneas/diagnósticoAssuntos
Neoplasias Hepáticas/secundário , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/patologia , Recidiva Local de Neoplasia/patologia , Neoplasias Cutâneas/patologia , Protocolos de Quimioterapia Combinada Antineoplásica/uso terapêutico , Biópsia , Ciclofosfamida/uso terapêutico , Doxorrubicina/uso terapêutico , Testa , Transplante de Células-Tronco Hematopoéticas , Humanos , Fígado/diagnóstico por imagem , Fígado/patologia , Neoplasias Hepáticas/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Hepáticas/terapia , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/diagnóstico , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/terapia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Recidiva Local de Neoplasia/diagnóstico , Recidiva Local de Neoplasia/terapia , Prednisona/uso terapêutico , Remissão Espontânea , Pele/patologia , Neoplasias Cutâneas/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Cutâneas/terapia , Fatores de Tempo , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X , Tronco , Transplante Autólogo , Resultado do Tratamento , Vincristina/uso terapêuticoRESUMO
Pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta and pityriasis lichenoides chronica are the 2 main subtypes of pityriasis lichenoides. They represent the acute and chronic forms of the disease; both may have clonal T cells. Several treatment modalities are used, but it has been difficult to determine efficacy because of the possibility of spontaneous remission. Cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders constitute many cutaneous T-cell lymphomas and comprise lymphomatoid papulosis and primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). Both have an excellent prognosis. Lymphomatoid papulosis often only requires observation or treatment of symptoms. First-line therapies for primary cutaneous ALCL are surgical excision or radiotherapy.
Assuntos
Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/terapia , Papulose Linfomatoide/terapia , Pitiríase Liquenoide/terapia , Neoplasias Cutâneas/terapia , Corticosteroides/uso terapêutico , Antibacterianos/uso terapêutico , Anticorpos Monoclonais/uso terapêutico , Antineoplásicos/uso terapêutico , Procedimentos Cirúrgicos Dermatológicos , Humanos , Imunossupressores/uso terapêutico , Ceratolíticos/uso terapêutico , Antígeno Ki-1 , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/diagnóstico , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/patologia , Papulose Linfomatoide/diagnóstico , Papulose Linfomatoide/patologia , Fototerapia , Pitiríase Liquenoide/diagnóstico , Pitiríase Liquenoide/patologia , Radioterapia , Neoplasias Cutâneas/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Cutâneas/patologiaRESUMO
Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pc-ALCL) is a CD30+ subtype of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. It typically has a very favorable prognosis; however, traditional treatment can be expensive, invasive, and associated with significant adverse events. Imiquimod is a topical toll-like receptor approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for genital warts, actinic keratosis, and primary superficial basal cell carcinoma. In previous case reports, imiquimod has been shown to be effective against pc-ALCL. We present a case of complete resolution of pc-ALCL within 8 weeks with topical imiquimod and review the current literature. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(5):460-462.
Assuntos
Antineoplásicos/uso terapêutico , Imiquimode/uso terapêutico , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Cutâneas/diagnóstico , Administração Cutânea , Idoso , Antineoplásicos/administração & dosagem , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Feminino , Testa , Humanos , Imiquimode/administração & dosagem , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/tratamento farmacológico , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/patologia , Neoplasias Cutâneas/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias Cutâneas/patologiaRESUMO
CD30+ T cell pseudolymphomas (CD30+ PSL) are a group of benign inflammatory cutaneous disorders that can develop in settings of viral infections or drug reactions. Owing to their histological similarities to malignant lymphomas, these benign infiltrates are occasionally misdiagnosed as malignant, causing significant concerns for patients and physicians. Herein, we report a patient with CD30+ PSL associated with molluscum contagiosum whose initial biopsy revealed atypical large CD30-expressing cells, leading to a misdiagnosis of primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma and referral to our cutaneous lymphoma clinic. We report this case to demonstrate that reactive CD30+ infiltrate associated with molluscum contagiosum can be mistaken for T-cell lymphomas and patients should be reassured in these cases.
Assuntos
Erros de Diagnóstico , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/patologia , Molusco Contagioso/patologia , Pele/patologia , Biópsia , Feminino , Humanos , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/diagnóstico , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Molusco Contagioso/diagnósticoRESUMO
RATIONALE: Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL) is a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which is rarely associated with erythema nodosum (EN). PATIENT CONCERNS: A 57-year-old woman complained of recurrent rashes involving her abdomen, back, upper and lower limbs for over 20 years, with severity in symptoms for 2 weeks. DIAGNOSES: The first skin biopsy was performed in 2011 in another hospital and she was diagnosed idiopathic EN. The second skin biopsy was performed in 2014 and she was diagnosed as pcALCL with stage IA. INTERVENTIONS: She was treated with oral prednisone, cyclosporine, and thalidomide. OUTCOMES: One month later, the ulcerative lesion was decreased in size and became smooth and the patient achieved partial remission. She is still under treatment and has been monitored closely for 4 years. LESSONS: The case suggested that stimulation of inflammation in the skin lesions for a long period might be related to clonal transformation into pcALCL and hence should be closely monitored. Immunosuppressive treatment may be effective and safe for patients with pcALCL at early stages.
Assuntos
Eritema Nodoso/complicações , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/etiologia , Neoplasias Cutâneas/etiologia , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Eritema Nodoso/diagnóstico , Eritema Nodoso/tratamento farmacológico , Eritema Nodoso/patologia , Feminino , Humanos , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/diagnóstico , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/tratamento farmacológico , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/patologia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Neoplasias Cutâneas/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Cutâneas/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias Cutâneas/patologiaRESUMO
RATIONALE: Primary cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (C-ALCL) is a rare cancer belonging to the group of primary T-cell lymphoproliferative diseases. C-ALCL is characterized by the presence of single or multiple ulcerated lesions on the skin's surface. PATIENT CONCERNS: This is the case of a 73-year-old man who reported to the Clinic of Cranio-Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery and Implantology, Medical University of Warsaw, owing to a skin tumor in the right parotideomasseteric region, initially diagnosed as discoid lupus erythematosus. During treatment for discoid lupus erythematosus, biopsy was repeated because of significant disease progression and dynamic tumor growth. Histopathological examination revealed the presence of pilomatrix carcinoma (trichilemmal carcinoma). Because of the discrepancy between clinical and histopathological findings, the tumor specimen was submitted to another facility, wherein lymphoma infiltration by anaplastic large cells was found in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. DIAGNOSIS: C-ALCL. INTERVENTIONS: The patient was transferred to the Lymphoid Tumours Clinic of the Maria Sklodowska Curie Memorial Cancer Centre and Institute of Oncology in Warsaw, where chemotherapy was initiated. OUTCOMES: After 4 cycles of chemotherapy, a complete remission of skin lesions was achieved. During the 5-year follow-up, no recurrence occurred. LESSONS: C-ALCL is a rare type of cancer. Misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate therapy and result in disease progression or unnecessary harm to the patient.
Assuntos
Erros de Diagnóstico , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Cutâneas/diagnóstico , Idoso , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Doenças do Cabelo/diagnóstico , Humanos , Lúpus Eritematoso Discoide/diagnóstico , Masculino , Pilomatrixoma/diagnósticoAssuntos
Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/diagnóstico , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Cutâneas/diagnóstico , Pele/patologia , Idoso , Antimetabólitos Antineoplásicos/uso terapêutico , Biópsia , Ligante CD30/análise , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/patologia , Quimioterapia Adjuvante/métodos , Erros de Diagnóstico , Humanos , Hiperplasia/diagnóstico , Hiperplasia/patologia , Hiperplasia/terapia , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/patologia , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/terapia , Masculino , Metotrexato/uso terapêutico , Neoplasias Cutâneas/patologia , Neoplasias Cutâneas/terapia , Resultado do TratamentoAssuntos
Dermatite Atópica/complicações , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/etiologia , Papulose Linfomatoide/etiologia , Neoplasias Cutâneas/etiologia , Dermatite Atópica/diagnóstico , Dermatite Atópica/imunologia , Dermatite Atópica/terapia , Feminino , Humanos , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/diagnóstico , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/imunologia , Linfoma Anaplásico Cutâneo Primário de Células Grandes/terapia , Papulose Linfomatoide/diagnóstico , Papulose Linfomatoide/imunologia , Papulose Linfomatoide/terapia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Indução de Remissão , Fatores de Risco , Índice de Gravidade de Doença , Neoplasias Cutâneas/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Cutâneas/imunologia , Neoplasias Cutâneas/terapia , Fatores de Tempo , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) limited to the skin is a distinct disease that is designated primary cutaneous ALCL (pcALCL). It has an indolent course with a significantly better prognosis compared to systemic ALCL (sALCL). Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) expression in lesions of cutaneous ALCL is classically considered to be a marker for skin involvement by sALCL. However, recent reports of patients with ALK-positive pcALCL challenge this concept and raise prognostic and therapeutic dilemmas. Herein, we report a case of ALK-positive pcALCL in a 45-year-old woman who was treated with local radiotherapy. We review previously reported cases in the literature to better characterize this rare variant. Overall, the rates of cutaneous recurrence, systemic dissemination, and disease-related mortality in ALK-positive pcALCL do not differ from those previously reported in pcALCL. ALK-positive pcALCL is diagnosed at younger age and has a better disease course in children compared to adults with lower incidences of skin recurrence and progression to systemic disease. We conclude that ALK-positivity in cutaneous ALCL does not necessarily imply systemic disease. ALK-positive pcALCL has an excellent prognosis and should be treated by excision and/or radiotherapy. However, patients must remain under close long-term follow-up as recurrence and progression to systemic disease may occur.