Pityriasis Lichenoides-Like Mycosis Fungoides: A Case Report

Cureus. 2023 Mar 25;15(3):e36665. doi: 10.7759/cureus.36665. eCollection 2023 Mar.

Abstract

A rare subtype of mycosis fungoides (MF) known as pityriasis lichenoides-like mycosis fungoides (PL-like MF) manifests as recurrent crops of erythematous scaly papules with the histological findings of MF. We report a 64-year-old male with recurrent crops of psoriasiform papules with mild scales on his trunk and extremities. Skin biopsy results were consistent with CD8+ cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Our patient had clinical features of pityriasis lichenoides and histological findings consistent with CD8+ MF. A differential diagnosis of PL, lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP), and PL-like MF was considered. Counseling patients with CD8+ cutaneous T-cell lymphoma can be challenging, as there is an aggressive variant named primary cutaneous aggressive epidermotropic CD8+ CTCL. However, with the ability to recognize PL-like MF, a rare indolent type of CD8+ CTCL, physicians can counsel patients appropriately.

Keywords: chronic lymphoproliferative diseases; cutaneous t-cell lymphoma; lymphomatoid papulosis; mycosis fungoides; pityriasis lichenoides.

Publication types

  • Case Reports