Nodular lymphoid disease of the head and neck: lymphocytoma cutis, benign lymphocytic infiltrate of Jessner, and their distinction from malignant lymphoma.

Skin biopsy specimens from six patients with nodular lymphoid disease of the head and neck were studied by routine histology, direct immunofluorescence microscopy, and leukocyte monoclonal antibodies to T and B cell subsets and monocytes. Initially, these lesions were clinically considered to be benign lymphocytic infiltrates of Jessner, lymphocytoma, or lymphoma. Direct immunofluorescence was negative or showed nonspecific staining in all four patients in whom it was performed. Leukocyte monoclonal antibody stains revealed two distinct patterns of lymphocytes. Lymphocytoma was represented by nodular masses of B lymphocytes with peripheral and intervening zones of T cells. The second pattern consisted of solid nodular masses of T lymphocytes occupying the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. In the specimens interpreted as benign lymphocytic infiltration, the T cells were composed equally of helper and suppressor cells.