Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

This report presents a case of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL; null cell type) in a Nigerian. ALCL is a well-characterized disorder, but very rare, and arriving at a definitive diagnosis presented a challenge. The use of immunophenotyping and cytogenetic characterization helped resolve the diagnostic confusion. However, it was too late to help the patient once the confusion had been eliminated. This case reflects the peculiar diagnostic challenges and limitations in a resource-scarce environment typical of most rural and semiurban communities in sub-Saharan Africa.