Mucha-Habermann's Disease Simulating Lymphoma Cutis

Abstract

Two patients are presented whose clinical histories suggested Mucha-Habermann's disease. The first was referred to us because of a previous biopsy diagnosis of lymphoma cutis. Our biopsy of the patient's lesions, although showing features of Mucha-Habermann's disease, also showed several highly atypical cells in the infiltrate. Several pathologists were consulted regarding the slides. The majority made a diagnosis of or suggested lymphoma cutis, although a clear subepidermal zone was absent. The biopsy specimen of the second patient also showed atypical cells in the infiltrate and initially was diagnosed as lymphoma cutis. In both cases the correct diagnosis was confirmed by the subsequent clinical course of Mucha-Habermann's disease. A short review of the literature shows no mention of atypical cells in the infiltrate of Mucha-Habermann's disease, as was observed in the two cases reported.