Occupational mycosis fungoides - a case series

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most frequent type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. MF has long been considered to develop as the result of a combination of genetic defects and exogenous triggers. Although no specific MF-associated environmental trigger has been established to date, some studies have suggested that occupational exposures may occasionally trigger the onset of MF.

In this observational study, we aimed at underscoring the potential association between occupational exposure and MF.

We ascertained a cohort of 150 MF patients for possible occupational exposure.

Five MF patients with occupational exposure were identified in our cohort. Three patients had intensive contact with aromatic hydrocarbons; two of them were working in the same plant and in the same unit for more than 30 years. The third patient had been in contact with aromatic hydrocarbons for a total of 8 years. Patient 4 had additional contact for 12 years with hydrazine, and patient 5 had been exposed for 3 years to formaldehyde.

The clustering of two cases of MF, an exceptionally rare disease, in the same plant unit, as well as the long-term, intense occupational exposure in other cases, substantiates the notion that occupational exposures may contribute to the pathogenesis of MF.