Differential Diagnosis for Lymphoma and Crawling Sensation Under the Skin
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL): This is a type of lymphoma that affects the skin and can cause a crawling sensation under the skin due to the infiltration of malignant T-cells into the skin.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Hodgkin lymphoma: Although less common, Hodgkin lymphoma can also cause skin symptoms, including itching and crawling sensations, especially in advanced stages.
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL): Certain subtypes of NHL, such as follicular lymphoma, can cause skin symptoms, including a crawling sensation under the skin.
- Dermatological conditions: Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis can cause itching and crawling sensations under the skin, which may be mistaken for lymphoma symptoms.
- Neurological conditions: Conditions like neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, and peripheral nerve disorders can cause abnormal sensations, including a crawling feeling under the skin.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Meningeal carcinomatosis: This is a rare but life-threatening condition where cancer cells spread to the meninges, causing neurological symptoms, including abnormal sensations under the skin.
- Leukemia cutis: This is a condition where leukemia cells infiltrate the skin, causing a range of symptoms, including a crawling sensation under the skin.
- Lymphomatoid papulosis: This is a rare condition that can mimic lymphoma, causing skin lesions and abnormal sensations under the skin.
Rare Diagnoses
- Erythromelalgia: This is a rare condition characterized by burning pain, heat, and redness in the hands and feet, which can also cause a crawling sensation under the skin.
- Pellagra: This is a rare condition caused by niacin deficiency, which can cause skin symptoms, including a crawling sensation under the skin.
- Hookworm infestation: This is a rare condition in developed countries, but can cause a crawling sensation under the skin due to the migration of hookworm larvae through the skin.