Rare Case of Subcutaneous Panniculitis-like T-Cell Lymphoma in a Pediatric Patient

Authors

• Jasmine Kaur, West Virginia School of Osteopathic MedicineFollow
• Omar Abdelaal, West Virginia School of Osteopathic MedicineFollow
• Ammar Masood, West Virginia School of Osteopathic MedicineFollow
• Aaron McGuffin, West Virginia University School of MedicineFollow
• kathleen martin, West Virginia School of Osteopathic MedicineFollow

Author Credentials

Jasmine Kaur, OMS-II Omar Abdelaal, OMS-II Ammar Masood, OMS-II Aaron McGuffin, MD Kathleen J. Martin, MD FAAP

Keywords

SPTCL, Primary Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma, Pediatric, Atypical Lymphocytes, Rimming Adipocytes

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a rare subtype of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma that has clinical overlap with common benign conditions, thus making diagnosis challenging. SPTCL primarily affects younger adults with a female predominance. Pediatric cases are exceedingly rare and often misdiagnosed as bacterial infections, delaying proper clinical diagnosis and treatment.

In this case study, we report on a 9-year-old female who initially presented to an urgent care clinic with two weeks of an itchy, painful nodule on her right buttock and thigh. The nodule was initially misidentified as a skin abscess, and the patient was prescribed sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim. The diagnosis was later changed to infectious panniculitis by the primary care physician. Due to unresolved symptoms and abnormal lab findings and imaging studies, the patient was referred to pediatric dermatology, where histological, immunophenotypic, and molecular diagnostic findings established a diagnosis of SPTCL. The patient was treated with topical triamcinolone and mechlorethamine resulting in substantial clinical improvement. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of SPTCL in pediatric patients, where the disease often mimics benign processes such as bacterial infections. It is important to conduct a thorough workup of children who present with vague systemic symptoms along with subcutaneous nodules, as this may prevent delay in the diagnosis of SPTCL.

Recommended Citation

Kaur J, Abdelaal O, Masood A, McGuffin A, martin k. Rare Case of Subcutaneous Panniculitis-like T-Cell Lymphoma in a Pediatric Patient. Marshall J Med. 2026; 12(3) DOI: https://doi.org/10.33470/2379-9536.1527.