Atypical Surface Marker Characteristics in a T-Cell Lymphoma

A case of T-cell lymphoma with an unusual phenotype is described. The majority of malignant tumour cells did not form E-rosettes, and lacked surface immunoglobulin but reacted with an antiserum to T cells and thymocytes. Localised acid phosphatase and non-specific alpha naphthol acid esterase activities and a prominent, convoluted, nuclear pattern in some neoplastic cells also supported the T cell derivation. The results demonstrate the importance of using a panel of markers for identification of the cellular derivation of some lymphomas.