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Mycosis fungoides: a dermatological masquerader
D Nashan1, D Faulhaber, S Ständer
1Department of Dermatology, University of Freiburg, Hautstrasse 7, 79104 Freiburg, Germany. nashan@uniklinik-freiburg.de
The British Journal of Dermatology
|January 4, 2007
Summary
Mycosis fungoides (MF), a type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, presents variably and can mimic over 50 skin conditions. This review details MF
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
- Neoplastic T cells in MF typically infiltrate the skin, causing diverse lesions.
- Diagnosing MF is challenging due to varied clinical presentations and nonspecific histological findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a structured framework for understanding the clinical variations of Mycosis fungoides.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges posed by MF's mimicry of other skin diseases.
- To detail distinct and unusual subforms of MF.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Mycosis fungoides presentations.
- Analysis of clinical variations and mimicry of other dermatological entities.
- Detailed description of specific MF subforms.
Main Results:
- Mycosis fungoides can mimic more than 50 different clinical skin conditions.
- A structured framework categorizing classical, unusual, and distinct MF forms is presented.
- Specific subforms like ichthyotic MF, adnexotropic MF, and papuloerythroderma of Ofuji are described.
Conclusions:
- Clinical experience remains crucial for diagnosing Mycosis fungoides despite advances in molecular diagnostics.
- Recognizing the wide spectrum of MF presentations and its mimicry is essential for accurate diagnosis.
- Detailed delineation of distinct MF subforms aids in differential diagnosis.
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