Yu X, Zhang J, Xu K, Li M, Yao Z
Department of Dermatology, Xinhua Hospital, Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Department of Pathology, Xinhua Hospital, Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Clin Exp Dermatol. 2017 Jul;42(5):539-542. doi: 10.1111/ced.13146. Epub 2017 May 29.
Systemic anaplastic large cell lymphomas (sALCLs) comprise a heterogeneous group of relatively rare T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas that are characterized by CD30 expression. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive ALCL is a type of sALCL that commonly involves lymph nodes and extranodal sites. Skin involvement usually presents as tumours, nodules and ulcers. We describe an unusual case of ALK-positive ALCL in an 11-year-old Chinese boy, who initially presented with skin eruption with rapid progression and poor prognosis. This case emphasizes the value of clinical factors to predict the prognosis of ALK-positive sALCL, and we recommend close collaboration between dermatologists, pathologists and haematologists/oncologists to assure the correct diagnosis and treatment.
