Lymphomatoid Papulosis - Symptoms and Treatment

Lymphomatoid papulosis is a rare skin disorder that is characterised by crops of self healing skin lesions that look cancerous under the microscope but are actually benign (non-malignant). These lesions have unusual cells that are related to those found in some lymphomas. It is a rare disease which affects people of all age. The diagnosis is done on the basis of a skin biopsy and has to be repeated on several occasions. Patients suffering from this condition are required to see their doctor regularly in order to be sure that their condition does not turn into cancer. Only around one of the ten cases turn into lymphoma but still it is recommended to see a doctor on regular basis. Women are more susceptible to this condition. Around ten to twenty percent of the patients might have an associated lymphoma before. The bumps that are formed heal within two to three weeks but they reappear. The rashes formed continue for the rest of the life as up till now no cure has been discovered for this skin disorder.

Lymphomatoid papulosis is a stubborn persistent rash that usually occurs on the chest, stomach, back, arms and legs. This condition is slightly more common in women. Although most cases of lymphomatoid papulosis are benign, 10-20% of patients may have an associated lymphoma before, at the same time as, or after the diagnosis of lymphomatoid papulosis. This may be cutaneous T-cell lymphoma or an internal form of the disease.

Causes of Lymphomatoid Papulosis

Common Causes of Lymphomatoid Papulosis :

• In some people lymphomatoid papulosis turns into lymphoma which is a form of cancer. This happens in about one out of ten people.
• Lymphomatoid papulosis often lasts for years. Patients need to see their doctor regularly to make sure their condition does not turn into cancer.
• Proliferation of atypical T-cell lymphocytes (funny-looking white cells).

Symptoms of Lymphomatoid Papulosis

Some common Symptoms of Lymphomatoid Papulosis :

• Drenching night sweats.
• Swollen spleen or liver.
• Appetite loss. 
• Weight loss.
• Pain.
• Fever.
• Anemia.

Treatment of Lymphomatoid Papulosis

• Cortisone ointments will sometimes help.
• Topical steroid creams.
• Methotrexate is sometimes used to treat lymphomatoid papulosis.
• Phototherapy.
• Ultraviolet light treatment may help in controlling lymphomatoid papulosis.
• CD30 + cutaneous lymphoma has an excellent prognosis when treated by excision and local radiotherapy.

Home | Drugs | Contact Us | Skin Disorders | Home Remedies | Diabetes | Health Blog
Copyright © HealthAtoZ.info All Rights Reserved.