BACKGROUND: Our patient presented with an unusual case of rapidly growing palpebral tumors, which obstructed his vision and caused professional and social impairment. OBJECTIVES: The objective was to report the role of surgical management in a case of the d'emblee variant of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and to provide a literature review. METHODS: Tumors of the eyelids previously treated with topical and oral retinoids, indomethacin, dapsone, systemic chemotherapy, and high-dose systemic corticosteroids respond finally to conservative excision and second intention healing. RESULTS: Surgical debulking of palpebral tumors achieved remission of a locally aggressive form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and significant restoration of the sight, eyelid function, and social/professional function. CONCLUSION: In selected cases, surgical excision of tumor tissue may be of significant assistance in managing d'emblee variant cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
BACKGROUND: Our patient presented with an unusual case of rapidly growing palpebral tumors, which obstructed his vision and caused professional and social impairment. OBJECTIVES: The objective was to report the role of surgical management in a case of the d'emblee variant of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and to provide a literature review. METHODS: Tumors of the eyelids previously treated with topical and oral retinoids, indomethacin, dapsone, systemic chemotherapy, and high-dose systemic corticosteroids respond finally to conservative excision and second intention healing. RESULTS: Surgical debulking of palpebral tumors achieved remission of a locally aggressive form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and significant restoration of the sight, eyelid function, and social/professional function. CONCLUSION: In selected cases, surgical excision of tumor tissue may be of significant assistance in managing d'emblee variant cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.