Use of the polymerase chain reaction in the evaluation of cutaneous T-cell infiltrates.
Histologic evaluation of suspected cutaneous T-cell neoplasia is challenging. There is significant overlap with features of benign condition, and neoplastic cells often occur in a reactive background. Recently, molecular techniques using paraffin-embedded tissue have been applied to the diagnosis of cutaneous T-cell infiltrates. These methods are useful for determining whether a clonal population of T-cells is present. The advantages and limitation of molecular diagnostic methods in the diagnosis of cutaneous T-cell infiltrates are discussed.
Dermatopathology Service, Stanford University School of Medicine, California, USA. skohler@pathology.stanford.edu
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S
Kohler
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JL
Zehnder
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016410:Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*