What is cutaneous B-cell lymphoma (CBCL)?
- It can be either primary disease of the skin or secondary from nodal (non-Hodgkin's) lymphoma
- It is rare and less common than mycosis fungicides
- Men are more commonly affected, most cases present in the sixth or seventh decade of life
- solitary or multiple nodules localised to one area of the body
- Usually pink or violaceous in colour, smooth, firm, non tender
- favour neck and head region
- lymph nodes in other area may be involved
What does it look like on skin biopsy?
- dense infiltrate of lymphocytes throughout the mid and lower dermis
- B lymphocytes do not localise to the epidermis, hence, no scale
What is the treatment ?
- Referral to a dermatologist or oncologist is recommended for staging and treatment
- Treatment options
- radiotherapy
- surgery for localised lesion s
- chemotherapy
- rituximab
What is the prognosis?
- In general good prognosis > 90 % 5 year survival rate for the follicle centre and marginal zone b cell lymphoma
- less so for the variant occurring on the legs
- Secondary CBCL is associated with a poor prognosis
Reference:
1. primary certificate of dermatology RACGP
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