"The Diagnostic Difficulties and The Delayed Identification of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma in A Teenage Patient. A Review of Literature"

Abstract

Systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (S-ALCL) is a rare and aggressive lymphoma. In most cases it arises in cervical and axillary lymph nodes. At times, the disease may have an unusual course when the primary site appears in other locations, like skin, bone, lung liver. This may lead to diagnostic dilemmas. We report an unusual case of a 16-year-old boy with S-ALCL who presented with a nodular skin lesion located in the lower abdomen. Initially, based on the physical examination, he was misdiagnosed with an abscess. This resulted in the omission of diagnosing the neoplasm and caused the development of a systemic disease The diagnosis of ALCL is established in an advanced stage. This process relies on a histopathological and complex immunohistochemical examination of the collected material. To provide the best adjusted therapy, there is a requirement of a precise identification of neoplastic cells' immunophenotype. It should be performed in the facility with the highest reference level. In the view of above, patient's life depends on fast and exact diagnostic. Specialists, who are usually the first to encounter such patients, are crucial to initiate the relevant diagnostic processes and subsequently send the patient to the oncology unit.