Hypopigmented mycosis fungoides: a clinical mimicker of vitiligo

Hypopigmented mycosis fungoides (HMF) is a rare variant of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) that often manifests in younger patients with darker skin types in a centripetal distribution.(1) Average age of diagnosis is often 14 years.(2) The diagnosis is often missed due to its low incidence and lack of clinical suspicion. Misdiagnosis and failure to obtain biopsies lead to a long latency period from onset of hypopigmented patches to diagnosis and treatment. HMF has a clinically benign course and responds well to therapy; however, relapse is common.(3) We report a case of HMF misdiagnosed as vitiligo in order to illuminate diagnostic, histopathological, and treatment modalities.