Subcutaneous Panniculitis-Like T-Cell Lymphoma Presenting as a Targetoid Plaque in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by subcutaneous nodules, indurated plaques, erythema, and cellular infiltrates in the subcutaneous fat. Biopsies show neoplastic cells expressing cytotoxic T-cell markers and displaying moderate cytologic atypia while sparing the dermis and epidermis and showing variable degrees of necrosis, hemorrhage, and inflammatory changes. We describe a pediatric case of SPTCL in a 6-year-old boy, presenting with an unusual targetoid plaque and systemic symptoms, who showed significant improvement on systemic immunosuppressants without chemotherapy. This case underscores the potential for atypical presentations of SPTCL and the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy in achieving favorable clinical outcomes, adding to the understanding of SPTCL's clinical diversity and treatment strategies.