Variably Acid‐fast Bacteria in a Rare Case of Coexistent Malignant Lymphoma and Cutaneous Sarcoid‐like Granulomas

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Abstract
A 74‐year‐old woman presented clinical, laboratory, and histologic evidence of coexistent cutaneous sarcoid‐like granulomas, malignant lymphocytic lymphoma, and multiple basal cell carcinomas, all occurring within slightly more than a one‐year period. Variably acid‐fast coccoid forms were observed in the histologic sections of the cutaneous, non‐caseating granulomas: and similar, variably acid‐fast, extra and intracelluar coccoid forms and granular bodies were seen in the lymph nodes showing lymphoma. The possible relationship between sarcoid‐like granulomas, sarcoidosis, and malignancy is discussed, as well as the possible role of cell wall deficient forms (L‐forms) of mycobacteria in the pathogenesis of these diseases.