Lymphomatoid papulosis

Title

Other Names:

LyP

Categories:

Blood Diseases; Rare Cancers; Skin Diseases

Summary Summary

Lymphomatoid papulosis is a skin disorder that is characterized by crops of self healing skin lesions that look cancerous under the microscope but are actually benign (non-cancerous). Lesions contain unusual cells that are similar to those found in some lymphomas (cancers of the lymphatic system).^[1]

Last updated: 6/19/2012

Symptoms Symptoms

Patients may present with multiple skin papules (raised bumps) that can occur anywhere on the body but most often on the chest, stomach, back, arms, and legs. The papules appear in crops and may be mildly itchy. They may develop into blood or pus-filled blisters that break and form a crusty sore before healing completely. Lesions tend to spontaneously heal with or without scarring within 2-8 weeks of appearing.^[1]

Last updated: 6/19/2012

Cause Cause

The cause of lymphomatoid papulosis is unknown, but it is associated with a proliferation of atypical T-cells. T-cells are specific white blood cells involved in immune responses.^[1]

Last updated: 6/19/2012

Treatment Treatment

Localized mildly itchy skin lesions may be treated with mid- to high-potency topical steroids to hasten healing, or with more aggressive topical therapies (e.g.,phototherapy) to suppress the disease and the possibility of progression to lymphoma. Low-dose weekly methotrexate has been used to suppress the condition with some success, however the treatment effects are not lasting. Oral psoralen plus UVA phototherapy may also effectively treat and suppresses the disease.^[2]

A few reports have found that following treatments may also help with disease suppression:^[2]

Topical carmustine
Topical nitrogen mustard
Topical MTX
Topical imiquimod cream
Intralesional interferon
Low-dose cyclophosphamide
Chlorambucil
Medium-dose UVA-1 therapy
Excimer laser therapy
Dapsone

Last updated: 6/19/2012

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Research Research

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are studying or have studied Lymphomatoid papulosis. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

Organizations Organizations

Nonprofit support and advocacy groups bring together patients, families, medical professionals, and researchers. These groups often raise awareness, provide support, and develop patient-centered information. Many are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct people to research, resources, and services. Many groups also have experts who serve as medical advisors. Visit their website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation
PO Box 374
Birmingham, MI 48012
Telephone: 248-644-9014
Fax: 248-644-9014
E-mail: info@clfoundation.org
Website: http://www.clfoundation.org/

Do you know of an organization? Send us your suggestions.

Learn More Learn More

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

DermNet NZ is an online resource about skin diseases developed by the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated. DermNet NZ provides information about this condition.
The Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation has an information page on lymphomatoid papulosis. Click on The Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation to view the page.

In-Depth Information

Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
MeSH® (Medical Subject Headings) is a terminology tool used by the National Library of Medicine. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge.
PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Lymphomatoid papulosis. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

News & Events News & Events

NCATS Co-Sponsored Conferences

Rare Tumors Initiative Symposium Strategies to Develop Therapies for Rare Tumors: Small Numbers, but Big Opportunities Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Location: NIH Natcher Conference Center, Bethesda, MD
Description: The goals of this symposium are to increase communication and build networks between researchers working in rare tumors across NIH, and to get input from patient groups, industry, and the FDA on how to overcome the biggest hurdles in the development of therapies for rare tumors. The Rare Tumors Initiative at NCI, CCR will use this information to prioritize goals for the future and will prepare a white paper summary to help guide researchers worldwide.

Contact: Dr. Karlyne Reilly,(301) 846-7518, reillyk@mail.nih.gov

Co-funding Institute(s): National Cancer Institute, Office of Rare Diseases Research

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