Lymphomatoid papulosis update. A historical perspective.

Soon after lymphomatoid papulosis was identified and named, it became apparent that a whole constellation of clinically benign, histologically malignant, continuing, self-healing eruptions existed. To this group of assumed entities without names, the inclusive term rhythmic paradoxical eruption spectrum was proposed. Some bands of this spectrum have since been delineated, and their surmised overt malignant potential realized. Recent immunologic studies have identified a number of shared immunologic markers among the various bands of this spectrum, which helps to explain the interrelationships and occasional coexistences among lymphomatoid papulosis, mycosis fungoides, Hodgkin's disease, and other lymphoproliferative disease states.