Cutaneous Disease as a Rare Presentation of Follicular Lymphoma Progression

Abstract

Follicular lymphoma, the third most common lymphoid malignancy, is considered indolent but incurable non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Isolated cutaneous relapse from follicular lymphoma is very uncommon, and very few cases have been reported in the literature. In this article, we present a case of an adult patient with a history of treated follicular lymphoma who presented with a skin lesion on his face and scalp. Further workup, including biopsy, led to the diagnosis of relapsed follicular lymphoma with no progression of disease elsewhere. We reviewed cases of follicular lymphoma, which relapsed with isolated cutaneous involvement. Treatment options for relapsed follicular lymphoma include observation, anti-CD 20 antibody alone, or in combination with chemotherapy, radio-immunotherapy, and stem cell transplantation in selected patients. Increased awareness of disease evolution and prompt diagnosis of this form of relapse from follicular lymphoma will improve the effectiveness and outcome of its management.