Primary Cutaneous Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Presenting as a Non-healing Axillary Ulcer

Primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PCDLBCL) is a rare, aggressive lymphoma primarily affecting the skin. We report an unusual case of a female patient in her late 50s with a persistent non-healing ulcer in the left axilla, initially misdiagnosed as cutaneous tuberculosis. Despite empirical treatment, the ulcer worsened, leading to further investigation and a revised diagnosis of germinal centre-type PCDLBCL through biopsy and immunohistochemistry. The patient showed significant improvement in the wound following chemotherapy, but succumbed to complications of severe neutropenia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This case underscores the importance of early biopsy and histopathological evaluation in atypical, rapidly progressing cutaneous lesions to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure timely treatment, ultimately significantly improving patient outcomes in cases of primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma if managed and diagnosed early.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2026-05-12
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.108737
Primary Topic
Cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders research
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Primary Cutaneous Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Presenting as a Non-healing Axillary Ulcer

Ludia John, Veda Munnangi, Narayanan Cunnigaiper
Cureus
Cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders research
article

Primary Cutaneous Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Presenting as a Non-healing Axillary Ulcer

Ludia John, Veda Munnangi, Narayanan Cunnigaiper
article en

Abstract

Primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PCDLBCL) is a rare, aggressive lymphoma primarily affecting the skin. We report an unusual case of a female patient in her late 50s with a persistent non-healing ulcer in the left axilla, initially misdiagnosed as cutaneous tuberculosis. Despite empirical treatment, the ulcer worsened, leading to further investigation and a revised diagnosis of germinal centre-type PCDLBCL through biopsy and immunohistochemistry. The patient showed significant improvement in the wound following chemotherapy, but succumbed to complications of severe neutropenia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This case underscores the importance of early biopsy and histopathological evaluation in atypical, rapidly progressing cutaneous lesions to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure timely treatment, ultimately significantly improving patient outcomes in cases of primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma if managed and diagnosed early.

Cureus
Zero hunger
Openalex Percentile: Top 5%
Cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders research
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