WHO/EORTC classification of cutaneous lymphomas 2005: histological and molecular aspects.
The new WHO/EORTC classification for cutaneous lymphomas comprises mature T-cell and natural killer (NK)-cell neoplasms, mature B-cell neoplasms, and immature hematopoietic malignancies. It reflects the unique features of lymphoproliferative diseases of the skin, and at the same time it is as compatible as possible with the concepts underlying the WHO classification for nodal lymphomas and the EORTC classification of cutaneous lymphomas. This article reviews the histological, phenotypical, and molecular genetic features of the various nosological entities included in this new classification. These findings always have to be interpreted in the context of the clinical features and biologic behavior.


OBJECTIVE
To review the histological, phenotypical and molecular genetic features of the various nosological entities of the new WHO/EORTC classification for cutaneous lymphomas.


METHODS
Extensive review of the literature cited in Medline and own data of the authors.


RESULTS
The WHO/EORTC classification of cutaneous lymphomas comprises mature T-cell and NK-cell neoplasms, mature B-cell neoplasms and immature hematopoietic malignancies. It reflects the unique features of primary cutaneous lymphoproliferative diseases.


CONCLUSIONS
This classification is as much as possible compatible with the concept of the WHO classification for nodal lymphomas and the EORTC classification of cutaneous lymphomas. The histological, phenotypical and molecular genetic features always have to be interpreted in the context of the clinical features and biologic behavior.
Burg
Günter
G
Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland. g.burg@usz.ch
Kempf
Werner
W
Cozzio
Antonio
A
Feit
Josef
J
Willemze
Rein
R
S Jaffe
Elaine
E
Dummer
Reinhard
R
Berti
Emilio
E
Cerroni
Lorenzo
L
Chimenti
Sergio
S
Diaz-Perez
José L
JL
Grange
Florent
F
Harris
Nancy L
NL
Kazakov
Dmitry V
DV
Kerl
Helmut
H
Kurrer
Michael
M
Knobler
Robert
R
Meijer
Chris J L M
CJ
Pimpinelli
Nicola
N
Ralfkiaer
Elisabeth
E
Russell-Jones
Robin
R
Sander
Christian
C
Santucci
Marco
M
Sterry
Wolfram
W
Swerdlow
Steven H
SH
Vermeer
Maarten H
MH
Wechsler
Janine
J
Whittaker
Sean
S
D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D007390:International Agencies; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D016393:Lymphoma, B-Cell / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D016410:Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D014944:World Health Organization