Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas: a practical approach

Primary cutaneous lymphomas constitute a heterogeneous group of malignancies that arise from lymphoid cells [1] and present in the skin with the absence of extracutaneous disease at diagnosis after complete staging procedures have been performed. In Europe, primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas (PCBCL) account for 20% to 25% of all primary cutaneous lymphomas [2], whereas in the United States, the incidence ranges from 3.2% to 7.7% [3]. This difference in incidence could relate to an underdiagnosis of PCBCL in the United States or differences in infectious etiology. Advances in immunophenotyping and immunogenotyping have allowed a better diagnosis of PCBCL. We review the etiology, pathogenesis, classification, and prognosis of PCBCL and present a practical approach for their diagnosis and management.