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Objective: The aim of this case is to highlight indolent CD8-positive lymphoproliferative disorder as a distinct type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, which has a benign course despite its histological appearance.
Methods: We report the case of a man with a 30-year history of intermittent ear swellings and discuss this in the context of previous similar cases of this condition.
Results: Skin biopsy from our patient showed a dense, diffuse proliferation of monomorphous medium-sized T cells throughout the dermis and subcutis, with no epidermotropism. Immunohistochemistry was positive for CD2, CD3, CD5 and CD8 and focally positive for CD7. He was treated with low dose radiotherapy and has been in remission since.
Conclusion: Indolent CD8-positive lymphoproliferative disorder of the ear is a rare, distinct type of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. Despite its worrisome histological appearance it has an benign clinical course. It is therefore important to recognise this as a distinct entity from other more aggressive CD8-positive lymphomas, for which the management is very different
