Dermatology 2026

Primary Cutaneous Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma, Not Otherwise Specified (PC-PTCL-NOS), is a rare and aggressive subtype of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). We report a case of CD8+ PC-PTCL-NOS in a 64-year-old Filipino male who presented with multiple, progressive erythematous plaques and nodules on the trunk and extremities over several months. Initial management with topical corticosteroids and oral medications was ineffective. Histopathological examination revealed a diffuse infiltrate of atypical lymphocytes, and immunohistochemical staining confirmed a CD3+, CD8+, CD4–, CD7–, CD30–, CD56– phenotype, consistent with CD8+ PC-PTCL-NOS. Systemic evaluation revealed elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and subsequent regional lymph node involvement, indicating disease progression. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of CD8+ PC-PTCL-NOS due to its clinical resemblance to benign dermatoses and emphasizes the critical role of early biopsy, comprehensive immunophenotyping, and multidisciplinary collaboration in facilitating timely diagnosis and management. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of CD8+ PC-PTCL-NOS in a Filipino patient, underscoring its rarity and contributing to the growing body of literature on this aggressive lymphoma subtype.

Dr. Karla Katrina Cajigal is a second-year resident in the Department of Dermatology, National Specialty Center for Dermatology, at Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center. She completed her medical degree at the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery.