The clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathologic differentiation of cutaneous leishmaniasis from cutaneous sarcoidosis and tuberculosis: A review article

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by infected female sandflies (Phlebotomus and Lutzomyia), which are vector-borne protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Leishmania. The diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) can be challenging and delayed, particularly in areas where leishmaniasis is not endemic. CL is known as “the great imitator” because it can mimic many skin disorders due to its various clinical manifestations. Cutaneous sarcoidosis (CS) and cutaneous tuberculosis (CTB), which are also known as “the great imitators,” should be differentiated from CL due to the common clinical, dermoscopic, and histopathologic features. In this article, we aim to help clinicians differentiate CL by listing its clinical manifestations those are similar to CS and CTB and highlighting common and uncommon dermoscopic and histopathologic findings. We have also created a brief approach to diagnose CL, CS, and CTB, which is presented as a diagram. A search was performed on PubMed and Google Scholar using the keywords CL, CTB, CS, and granulomatous disease for all articles, with no restrictions. Updated articles on leishmaniasis, tuberculosis, and sarcoidosis, including some new concepts in clinical presentations, dermoscopy, and histopathology, were reviewed.