Modern Approaches to the Diagnosis of Malignant Lymphomas of the Skin

Abstract

The article reviews contemporary approaches to diagnosing malignant lymphomas of the skin, which have diverse clinical manifestations and may resemble other dermatoses. It describes the role of thorough clinical examination, palpation of the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen, photographic documentation, ultrasound and chest radiography, and laboratory testing. The authors emphasize the need for histological, immunohistological, and molecular biological examination of skin biopsy specimens using panels of monoclonal antibodies, immunoblotting, and polymerase chain reaction. An integrated diagnostic approach is presented as important for improving early detection, classification, and assessment of the malignancy of lymphocytic infiltrates.