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Cutaneous B-Cell Lymphomas

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Molecular Diagnostics in Dermatology and Dermatopathology

Part of the book series: Current Clinical Pathology ((CCPATH))

Abstract

Cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders are a markedly heterogeneous group of diseases and ­represent one of the most challenging areas in dermatopathology. Careful correlation of clinical, histopathological, immunophenotypic, and molecular findings is essential for the accurate ­diagnosis and proper classification of these neoplasms [1]. There are several types of B-cell ­lymphoma which may show skin involvement, either primarily or as a secondary manifestation [2, 3]. While the vast majority of nodal/systemic lymphomas are of B-cell lineage [4, 5], primary cutaneous B-cell neoplasms represent only a minority of all primary cutaneous lymphomas [2, 3]. Primary cutaneous lymphomas often demonstrate different clinical behaviors, prognoses, and responses to therapy as compared with systemic/nodal lesions of similar lineage with secondary skin involvement [2, 3]. This is particularly true for cutaneous B-cell lymphomas [2, 3]. Appropriate staging at the time of diagnosis is necessary for accurate classification of a neoplastic lymphocytic infiltrate in the skin [2, 3].

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Acknowledgments

Our sincere gratitude to Jeffrey Sklar, M.D., for his invaluable assistance with the images of molecular tests.

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  1. Departments of Dermatology and Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, 208059, New Haven, CT, 06520-8059, USA

    Antonio Subtil

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Correspondence to Antonio Subtil .

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  1. Health Center, Dept. Dermatology, University of Connecticut, Farmington Ave. 263, Farmington, 06030, Connecticut, USA

    Michael J. Murphy

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Subtil, A. (2011). Cutaneous B-Cell Lymphomas. In: Murphy, M. (eds) Molecular Diagnostics in Dermatology and Dermatopathology. Current Clinical Pathology. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-171-4_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60761-171-4_12

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