Characteristics of cutaneous marginal zone lymphomas with marked plasmacytic differentiation and a T cell-rich background

Am J Clin Pathol. 2010 Jan;133(1):59-69. doi: 10.1309/AJCPW64FFBTTPKFN.

Abstract

Primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) is a common B-cell lymphoma of skin and is characterized by an infiltrate of neoplastic marginal zone B cells typically within the marginal zones of reactive lymphoid follicles and the interfollicular region. However, in our experience, many cases have underemphasized features such as marked plasmacytic differentiation and/or a prominent T-cell component, which may obscure the neoplastic B cells and lead to misdiagnosis. We wanted to draw attention to these features and have studied 15 cases of MZL with marked plasmacytic differentiation, 10 of which had numerous T cells, some with cytologic atypia, and few B cells in the interfollicular region. Plasma cells were monotypic in all cases by in situ hybridization. By polymerase chain reaction, 6 of 8 T cell-rich cases had an IGH gene rearrangement, and none were clonal for T-cell receptor gene. We discuss the terminology, morphologic features, molecular profile, behavior, and differential diagnosis of cutaneous MZL.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
  • DNA, Neoplasm / analysis
  • Female
  • Gene Rearrangement, B-Lymphocyte, Heavy Chain / genetics
  • Humans
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone / genetics
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone / immunology
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone / pathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Plasma Cells / immunology
  • Plasma Cells / pathology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / genetics
  • Skin Neoplasms / immunology
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / pathology*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • DNA, Neoplasm