Nodular lymphoid disease of the head and neck: Lymphocytoma cutis, benign lymphocytic infiltrate of Jessner, and their distinction from malignant lymphoma

• Published in: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Vol. 12; no. 3; pp. 455 - 461
• Main Authors: Van Hale, Harriet M., Winkelmann, R.K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Mosby, Inc 01.03.1985; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adult; Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; B-Lymphocytes - immunology; Biological and medical sciences; Biopsy; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Head and Neck Neoplasms - diagnosis; Hematologic and hematopoietic diseases; Humans; Leukemias. Malignant lymphomas. Malignant reticulosis. Myelofibrosis; Leukocytes - immunology; Lymphoma - diagnosis; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin - diagnosis; Lymphoproliferative Disorders - diagnosis; Male; Medical sciences; Mice; Middle Aged; Skin Neoplasms - diagnosis; T-Lymphocytes - immunology; Skin disease; Head and neck; Malignant lymphoma; Skin; Benign lymphocytoma of the skin; Differential diagnostic; Jessner Kanof lymphocytic infiltration
• ISSN: 0190-9622; 1097-6787
• DOI: 10.1016/S0190-9622(85)70063-1

Skin biopsy specimens from six patients with nodular lymphoid disease of the head and neck were studied by routine histology, direct immunofluorescence microscopy, and leukocyte monoclonal antibodies to T and B cell subsets and monocytes. Initially, these lesions were clinically considered to be benign lymphocytic infiltrates of Jessner, lymphocytoma, or lymphoma. Direct immunofluorescence was negative or showed nonspecific staining in all four patients in whom it was performed. Leukocyte monoclonal antibody stains revealed two distinct patterns of lymphocytes. Lymphocytoma was represented by nodular masses of B lymphocytes with peripheral and intervening zones of T cells. The second pattern consisted of solid nodular masses of T lymphocytes occupying the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. In the specimens interpreted as benign lymphocytic infiltration, the T cells were composed equally of helper and suppressor cells.