# Rare type A lymphomatoid papulosis initially presenting as a giant ulcer: a case report and literature review

**Authors:** Xiangru Chen, Qingling Zhang, Jingtong Zhao, Lin An, Yuxi Jia

PMC · DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1606027 · Frontiers in Immunology · 2025-07-01

## TL;DR

A rare case of lymphomatoid papulosis presented as a giant ulcer and was successfully treated with methotrexate and interferon.

## Contribution

This case report highlights an atypical initial presentation of LyP as a giant ulcer, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive evaluation for accurate diagnosis.

## Key findings

- The initial ulcer was misdiagnosed as keratoacanthoma but was later confirmed as LyP Type A.
- Treatment with methotrexate and interferon led to complete resolution of skin lesions without recurrence.
- The case underscores the need for careful histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation in atypical presentations.

## Abstract

Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) is a rare, chronic, recurrent, self-healing, indolent cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorder. Histologically, it resembles malignant lymphoma; however, its clinical manifestations are predominantly characterized by benign behaviors, including recurrent papules, nodules, and necrotic lesions.

We report a case of a middle-aged female who initially presented with a giant ulcer on the right foot and was surgically treated at another hospital as a keratoacanthoma (KA). Over subsequent months, she developed scattered papules and nodules on the trunk and limbs. A comprehensive clinical and histopathological reassessment confirmed a diagnosis of LyP Type A. Notably, the initial ulcerative lesion represented an atypical feature of LyP rather than a conventional KA. Finally, the patient was successfully treated with methotrexate and interferon, resulting in complete resolution of the skin lesions without recurrence.

In summary, this case highlights that a giant ulcer exhibiting pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia (PEH) in histopathology may indicate LyP. Careful assessment for atypical lymphocytic infiltration and further immunohistochemical evaluation are essential for accurate diagnosis. When single clinical or histopathological findings are insufficient to provide a comprehensive understanding of the disease, thorough evaluation and dynamic monitoring are critical for diagnosing and managing complex cases.

## Linked entities

- **Chemicals:** methotrexate (PubChem CID 4112)
- **Diseases:** lymphomatoid papulosis (MONDO:0020326), keratoacanthoma (MONDO:0002527)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** ulcer (MESH:D014456), necrotic lesions (MESH:D009059), skin lesions (MESH:D012871), malignant lymphoma (MESH:D008223), cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorder (MESH:D008232), KA (MESH:D007636), LyP (MESH:D017731), PEH (MESH:D006965)
- **Chemicals:** methotrexate (MESH:D008727)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

_Full body text omitted from this summary view._ Fetch the complete paper as Markdown: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12259569/full.md

## Figures

4 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12259569/full.md

## References

39 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12259569/full.md

---
Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12259569