Small cell variant of ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma with primary subcutaneous presentation: A case report.

RATIONALE

The rare morphological variant of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) may pose a challenge in diagnosis, especially when presentation primarily involves skin lesions.

PATIENT CONCERNS

Here we describe a rare case of small cell variant of ALCL in an 11-year-old girl.

DIAGNOSIS

We performed clinical, morphological, and immunohistochemical analyses of developed cutaneous nodules.

INTERVENTIONS

Pathologists should consider this small cell variant in ALCL differential diagnosis, as early and correct diagnosis has important clinical implications.

OUTCOMES

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation appears to be a promising treatment option for small cell variant of ALCL.

LESSONS

Histological diagnosis of small cell variant of ALCL is challenging among pediatricians because of its low incidence and atypical presentation. We provide a short review of the small cell variant of ALCL to facilitate the diagnosis of this difficult-to-recognize entity.