[Cutaneous localization of Hodgkin's disease. Description of 4 cases and review of the literature].

Abstract

Cutaneous involvement is uncommon in Hodgkin disease. Among 167 Hodgkin patients, we observed skin lesions in four. Clinical and histopathological features are discussed and compared with those of 40 other well-documented cases previously reported in the literature. The wide spectrum of clinical patterns and variability of outcome are underlined. Skin biopsy is mandatory and provides cardinal evidence for diagnosis; however, the Reed Sternberg cell is not absolutely specific and caution must be taken in affirming a disease which implies major therapy. In most observations, skin involvement obviously has no bearing on prognosis. We believe that the reality of specific Hodgkin skin lesions is subject to major reservations.