Diagnosing AIDS, a rare presentation: Epstein-Barr virus-positive mucocutaneous ulcer in the anal canal

Epstein-Barr virus-positive mucocutaneous ulcer is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder mainly related to immunosuppressive conditions. It typically presents as oral cavity lesions and has an indolent and benign course. One important differential diagnosis is plasmablastic lymphoma, a highly aggressive entity with which it shares some clinicopathological features. Here we present the case of a 52-year-old man who was complaining of hemorrhoids and was diagnosed with an initial and unusual presentation of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Complementary diagnosis exams were conducted to determine a final diagnosis and permitted prompt treatment initiation and an improvement of the patient’s clinical status.