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Author: Hannah Woo, Medical Student, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. DermNet New Zealand Editor in Chief: Adjunct A/Prof Amanda Oakley, Dermatologist, Hamilton, New Zealand. Copy edited by Gus Mitchell. September 2017.
Introduction Demographics Causes Clinical features Diagnosis Differential diagnoses Treatment Outlook
Primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma is a type of low-grade cutaneous B-cell lymphoma originating from the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). It is a heterogeneous proliferation of marginal zone cells, B cells, small lymphocytes, and plasma cells.
Cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma affects all ages but tends to affect younger patients in comparison to other types of B-cell lymphoma [1]. The median age of diagnosis is 55 years. Men are twice as likely to get this type of lymphoma as women [2].
It remains unclear whether cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma is the result of a de novo neoplastic process (the beginnings of a tumour) or a reaction to exogenous and/or endogenous agents [3]. A small number of cases have been associated with Borrelia burgdorferi (the cause of Lyme disease), and hepatitis C infection [1–4].
Cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma presents as papules, plaques, or nodules that range in colour from red to violet. The lesions may be solitary or multifocal and are most commonly seen on the patient's trunk or arms [1,2,4]. Dermoscopy is vascular but the features are not specific for the disease.
After obtaining a full history from the patient and performing a physical examination and skin examination, the diagnosis is made based on an adequate full-thickness biopsy of the affected skin.
A 4–6 mm punch, incisional, or excisional biopsy should be obtained. The biopsy specimen should include the reticular dermis and fat [2].
Histologically, cutaneous marginal zone lymphomas show nodular to diffuse dermal infiltration of marginal zone B-cells, lymphocytes, lymphoplasmacytoid cells, and plasma cells combined with centroblast- or immunoblast-like cells and reactive T cells. Marginal zone B cells are small to medium in size and have irregular nuclei, inconspicuous nucleoli, and abundant pale cytoplasm [2].
Immunohistochemistry tests of cutaneous marginal zone lymphomas are positive for CD20, CD79a, and BCL-2, and negative for CD 10, and BCL-6 cells [2].
Other essential investigations include a full blood count, comprehensive metabolic profile, and lactate dehydrogenase studies. A test for Borrelia burgdorferi may also be performed, particularly in endemic regions [2].
Additional blood tests that may be performed for the evaluation and staging of the disease include antinuclear antibody, rapid plasma reagin, viral hepatitis serologies, flow cytometry, serum protein electrophoresis, and quantitative immunoglobulin evaluation [2].
Imaging may include positron emission tomography (PET) and/or computed tomography (CT) [2].
Any lymph node with high PET activity, or measuring > 1.5 cm in length by an imaging study, should be biopsied. A bone marrow biopsy is optional [2].
The differential diagnosis for cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma can include:
It is important to distinguish primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma from non-Hodgkin systemic B-cell lymphoma with cutaneous involvement [1,2].
Spontaneous resolution of cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma can occasionally occur, particularly in the first few months [2]. A solitary plaque or localised disease can be treated with radiotherapy or surgical excision, with curative intent [1,5].
Multifocal disease can be treated with:
Patients who develop disseminated skin lesions are treated with multi-agent chemotherapy [5].
Antibiotic therapy may be indicated in patients who are positive for Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies [5].
The prognosis for primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma is excellent, with a 5-year survival rate of up to 99% [5]. However, the cutaneous relapse rate is high at approximately 40% [2], but the extracutaneous spread of disease is rare [2].