Lymphomatoid Papulosis

Definition

It is a non-cancerous skin disorder that can progress into Hodgkin's Disease or forms of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. It is a stubborn persistent rash that usually occurs on the chest, stomach, back, arms and legs. This condition is slightly more common in women. It is characterized by an infiltration of large atypical cells surrounded by inflammatory cells. The atypical cells resemble Reed-Sternberg cells of Hodgkin's disease or the malignant cells of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

It is defined as an atypical lymphoproliferative process and usually has a benign course. Skin lesions come and go.

Causes of Lymphomatoid Papulosis

Genetic predisposition is the main cause, but other causative agents such as long-term exposure to industrial or environmental metals, organic solvents, chemical carcinogens, pesticides and herbicides are also under consideration from the research community. Genetic predisposition is the main cause, but other causative agents such as long-term exposure to industrial or environmental metals, organic solvents, chemical carcinogens, pesticides and herbicides are also under consideration from the research community.

Symptoms of Lymphomatoid Papulosis

The possible symptoms for lymphomatoid papulosis are :-

• Swollen and painless lymph nodes
• Swollen spleen or liver
• Weight loss also occur in this disease.
• There may be appetite loss 
• Fatigueness may be associated with this disease.
• Infections associated with low white count
• Drenching night sweats
• Pain :depending on the anatomic location that is secondary to pressure to bone or organs, or obstruction of bodily functions
• Itchy skin, red patches
• Fever and Anemia problem may also present.
• Flu-like symptoms - aches, fever, chills are also present,

Treatments of Lymphomatoid Papulosis

It often lasts for years, over which time patients need to regularly see their doctor to pick up any changes that may signal early lymphoma. The following treatments are currently being used to hasten healing of lesions and/or suppress the disease.

• Methotrexate is sometimes used to treat lymphomatoid papulosis.
• Oral psoralen plus UV-A phototherapy also effectively treats and suppresses the disease.
• Topical steroid creams can also be used.
• Lymphomatoid papulosis is a recurrent condition and is by definition self healing. In most cases no treatment is required
• CD30 + cutaneous lymphoma has an excellent prognosis when treated by excision and local radiotherapy.
• Cortisone ointments will sometimes help.
• Ultraviolet light treatment may help in controlling lymphomatoid papulosis.