Skin involvement as the first symptom of rapidly progressive ALK-positive systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma

• DOI: 10.1111/ced.13146
• Publication Date: 2017-05-29T01:26:48Z
• Authors: X. Yu; J. Zhang; K. Xu; M. Li; Z. Yao
• Keywords: Male; Skin Neoplasms; Biopsy; Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; Prognosis; 3. Good health; Diagnosis, Differential; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Disease Progression; Humans; Lymphoma, Large-Cell, Anaplastic; Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase; Child

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.