Cutaneous Follicle Center Lymphoma : Molecular Genetics

Comments:
Molecular Genetics: Most cases of primary cutaneous follicle-center lymphoma (PCFCL) show immunoglobulin gene rearrangements. Molecular studies demonstrate somatic hypermutation of variable heavy chain and light chain genes.

The t(14;18)(q32;q21) translocation juxtaposing BCL2 gene with the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene that characterizes nodal follicular lymphoma is rarely seen in PCFCL. The reported incidence varies but is slightly higher with FISH-based studies than that with PCR-based assays.

The gene expression profile of PCFCLs is similar to germinal-center B-cell type of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. Amplification of c-REL is seen in 63% of cases of PCFCL. Deletion of 14q32.33 containing IGH gene locus is found in 68% of cases.

This skin biopsy from a patient with cutaneous follicle center lymphoma shows follicular and diffuse pattern of growth.