Fatal cytotoxic cutaneous lymphoma presenting as ulcerative psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common, nonulcerative skin disorder.

We describe 3 men recently referred to our institution for evaluation and treatment of severe, ulcerative psoriasis that ultimately was determined to be aggressive, cytotoxic, cutaneous lymphoma. Each had a history of relatively indolent, nonulcerative patches and plaques (duration, 2-45 years) that changed to ulcerated lesions; these rapidly progressed and eventuated in death.

The clinical characteristics of the skin lesions and the histopathologic findings form a distinct and rare presentation of cutaneous lymphoma. The initial course is similar to that of mycosis fungoides but eventuates in a highly aggressive disease with fatal outcome.