Lichen planus-like lesions as the first manifestation of adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma

Abstract

Cutaneous involvement is frequent in adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATLL), a peripheral T-cell neoplasm caused by human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I). Patients with ATLL manifest different types of skin lesions, including nodules, plaques, ulcers, erythroderma and purpura. It has been reported that this type of skin eruption is an independent prognostic factor for ATLL. We report here a rare case of a 62-year-old Japanese woman with smouldering-type ATLL, first manifested by lichen planus-like skin lesions on the lower leg. This case report highlights the multiplicity of skin manifestations in ATLL.