Challenges in early diagnosis of primary cutaneous CD8 aggressive epidermotropic cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma: a case series of four patients

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BACKGROUND: Primary cutaneous aggressive epidermotropic CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma (AECTCL) is a rare and aggressive lymphoma characterised by ulcerated lesions and a poor prognosis. OBJECTIVES: To present a case series of four previously misdiagnosed AECTCL patients and discuss the importance of early diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients in this study were identified from the database of the Dermatology Department of the Medical School of Bezmialem Vakif University, based on clinical and histopathological diagnosis of AECTCL between 2010 and 2018. RESULTS: AECTCL cases may mimic many benign dermatoses and accurate diagnosis may be delayed. CONCLUSION: Because of its poor prognosis, early diagnosis of AECTCL may be helpful in improving the likelihood of patient survival, but further study is needed to address the challenges in diagnosing this rare and aggressive lymphoma.