Primary Cutaneous B-Cell Lymphomas with Large Cell Morphology: A Practical Review

Abstract

Most primary cutaneous lymphomas consist of T-cell lymphomas or small cell lymphomas; however, the skin may also be affected by lymphomas with large cell morphology, as a primary or secondary localization. A minority of cases consist of primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas (PCBCLs). PCBCLs are a heterogeneous group of rare neoplasms with an overlapping morphological and immunohistochemical picture of the different subtypes. Nevertheless, differential diagnosis in the setting of this group of neoplasms is mandatory to identify the correct therapy and prognosis, but it may be challenging since, due to the rarity of these neoplasms, they may not always be familiar to pathologists. Indeed, immunohistochemistry may not be enough to distinguish the different histotypes, which overlap in immunohistochemical features. Furthermore, the ever-increasing knowledge of the molecular features of systemic B-cell lymphomas, such as gene rearrangements with clinical significance, has led in recent years to further investigation into the molecular landscape of PCBCLs with large cell morphology. This work aimed to provide a practical diagnostic guide for pathologists dealing with primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphomas.

Keywords

• primary cutaneous lymphoma
• follicle center lymphoma
• diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
• leg type