ALK and abscess: This case highlights a rare clinical presentation of ALK-positive ALCL presenting as a recurrent axillary abscess, emphasising the need for early biopsy and histopathological evaluation of non-resolving or atypical soft-tissue lesions. Our patient, a 31-year-old woman, initially presented with a painful axillary swelling that was clinically and radiologically suggestive of an abscess.