Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Occurring with Rhinophyma: A Case Report

Abstract

Rhinophyma is the final stage in the evolution of acne rosacea, a common vasoactive dermatosis. Individuals with rhinophyma present with a typical, disfiguring nasal appearance consisting of bulbous enlargement, erythema, and telangiectasia with a sebaceous, oily skin surface. This classic appearance permits a facile diagnosis but may also lead the physician to overlook a coexistent malignancy. We report the occurrence of a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) arising synchronously with a marked rhinophyma. A wide local excision of the malignancy was performed, and the defect was reconstructed with forehead flaps. The rhinophyma was treated with a skin graft and cheek flaps. Following surgery, chemotherapy was used to manage the systemic disease. This case demonstrates the necessity for clinical scrutiny in the diagnosis and treatment of rhinophyma. It is imperative to entertain a high degree of suspicion when non-typical changes are observed within a rhinophymatous lesion or in adjacent areas of the nose.