Overview
Cutaneous pseudolymphoma, also known as skin pseudolymphoma or lymphocytoma cutis, is a benign (non-cancerous) condition where the skin develops growths or patches that look very similar to lymphoma (a type of skin cancer) under the microscope, but are not actually cancer. The condition occurs when immune cells, particularly lymphocytes, build up in the skin in response to various triggers. These triggers can include insect bites, tattoos, certain medications (such as anticonvulsants, antidepressants, or antihistamines), infections like Borrelia (the bacteria that causes Lyme disease), vaccinations, or contact with foreign materials. In many cases, no clear cause is found. The condition typically appears as one or more reddish, purplish, or skin-colored bumps or nodules on the skin. These lesions are usually painless and can appear anywhere on the body, though the face, chest, and arms are common locations. The growths may be single or multiple and can sometimes be mistaken for true lymphoma, making accurate diagnosis very important. Treatment depends on identifying and removing the underlying trigger when possible. Options include topical or injected corticosteroids, surgical removal, cryotherapy (freezing), radiation therapy for stubborn lesions, or simply monitoring the condition over time. The outlook is generally very good, as cutaneous pseudolymphoma is benign and often resolves on its own once the triggering factor is removed. However, long-term follow-up is recommended because, in rare cases, the condition can persist or recur, and it is important to rule out progression to true lymphoma.
Key symptoms:
Reddish or purplish skin bumps or nodulesSkin-colored raised lumpsSingle or multiple skin lesionsPainless skin growthsLesions on the face, ears, chest, or armsSkin patches that may look like a rashSwollen-looking areas of skinLesions that may slowly grow over weeks to monthsItching at the site of the lesion (sometimes)Skin changes at the site of a previous insect bite, tattoo, or injection
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Cutaneous pseudolymphoma.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Cutaneous pseudolymphoma.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Cutaneous pseudolymphoma.
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Could a medication or exposure be causing my skin lesions?,How confident are you that this is pseudolymphoma and not true lymphoma?,What tests were done on my biopsy to rule out cancer?,What treatment options do you recommend for my specific case?,How often should I come back for follow-up visits?,What signs should I watch for that might suggest the condition is changing or worsening?,Should I be tested for Lyme disease or other infections?
Common questions about Cutaneous pseudolymphoma
What is Cutaneous pseudolymphoma?
Cutaneous pseudolymphoma, also known as skin pseudolymphoma or lymphocytoma cutis, is a benign (non-cancerous) condition where the skin develops growths or patches that look very similar to lymphoma (a type of skin cancer) under the microscope, but are not actually cancer. The condition occurs when immune cells, particularly lymphocytes, build up in the skin in response to various triggers. These triggers can include insect bites, tattoos, certain medications (such as anticonvulsants, antidepressants, or antihistamines), infections like Borrelia (the bacteria that causes Lyme disease), vaccina
How is Cutaneous pseudolymphoma inherited?
Cutaneous pseudolymphoma follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Cutaneous pseudolymphoma typically begin?
Typical onset of Cutaneous pseudolymphoma is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.