Classification of cutaneous lymphomas

Abstract

Willemze and the Dutch group 1 must be congratulated on their new proposed classification of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, based primarily on CD30 expression as a prognostic factor. It is debatable, however, as to whether all cases of lymphomatoid papulosis justify the designation lymphoma and whether Sezary syndrome is best classified as low-grade cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, on the basis of clinical behavior and prognosis. Their concepts regarding the classification of cutaneous B-cell lymphoma (CBCL), however, are contrary to alternative views held in countries such as the United Kingdom and Italy. 2 Furthermore, they are not consistent with those expressed in a recentArchiveseditorial. 3 The newly proposed classification of lymphoid neoplasms by the International Lymphoma Study Group 4 gives full recognition to the existence of extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type) as a distinct clinicopathologic entity. Also, immunocytoma (lymphoplasmacytoid lymphoma) is now regarded as a