Primary Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma: Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract EN

Cutaneous involvement by precursor T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (T-ALL/LBL) is rare, and almost all cases are seen in association with bone marrow, blood, and/or lymph node involvement.

Presentation with isolated skin involvement is very rare.

Literature review revealed only one case report of primary cutaneous T-cell LBL.

We discuss here another patient diagnosed with primary cutaneous T-cell LBL at our institute.

This patient was initially misdiagnosed as having peripheral T-cell lymphoma NOS.

Cytogenetic analysis showed the CDKN2A deletion (−9p21×2) in addition to three intact copies of ABL1 (+9q34).

Although she failed multiple lines of intensive chemotherapy, her disease remained confined to the skin.

We believe that this presentation of T-LBL is underreported, and many patients are likely misdiagnosed as having high-grade cutaneous T-cell lymphomas.

With this case and literature review, we would like to highlight the importance of keeping lymphoblastic lymphoma on the differential diagnosis of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma-like lesions to avoid delay in diagnosis and inappropriate treatment of this aggressive disease.