Information on Lymphomatoid Papulosis

Lymphomatoid Papulosis is characterised by crops of self healing skin lesions that look cancerous under the microscope but are actually benign (non-malignant). Lesions contain unusual cells that are similar to those found in some lymphomas (cancers of the lymphatic system). Lymphomatoid papulosis is a stubborn persistent rash that usually occurs on the chest, stomach, back, arms and legs. The rash often consists of red or brown bumps that have a crusty surface. The bumps heal in two to three weeks but new ones continue to form.

The papules show in crops and may be gently itchy. They may grow into blood or pus-filled blisters that break and form a crusty sore before healing completely. Lesions spontaneously heal with or without scarring within 2-8 weeks of appearing. Black persons may be less affected than other racial groups. This condition is slightly more common in women. The cause of lymphomatoid papulosis is unknown but it is associated with a proliferation of atypical T-cell lymphocytes.

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. There is no cure for lymphomatoid papulosis. The goals of pharmacotherapy are to reduce morbidity and to prevent complications. Cortisone treatments have been suggested to help heal the condition, but it doesn’t work in all cases. Oral psoralen plus UVA (PUVA) phototherapy also effectively treats and suppresses the disease. Methotrexate is sometimes used to treat lymphomatoid papulosis.