Mycosis fungoides with spongiosis: A potential diagnostic pitfall

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is characterized by epidermotropic atypical lymphocytes in the absence of spongiosis. However, we describe an unusual presentation of MF with spongiosis, mimicking benign inflammatory dermatoses and highlight the importance of pathologic interpretation for diagnostic confirmation.

A cross-sectional study of consecutive patients diagnosed with MF with spongiosis was conducted. The clinical, histopathologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular genetic features of cases were reviewed.

We identified nine cases of MF (age range 34-82 years; mean 75 years), with an initial diagnosis of dermatitis (6/9), psoriasis (4/9), or other inflammatory dermatoses (2/9). Pruritus, pain, and blisters were common clinical manifestations. The most common areas of involvement were the extremities (8/9). Epidermotropism with spongiosis was a central histopathological feature in all cases.

These cases highlight prominent spongiosis in MF and overlap with common benign inflammatory dermatoses. We present these cases to show the diagnostic pitfalls associated with spongiotic presentations of MF. Dermatitis, psoriasis, and other inflammatory skin conditions not responsive to standard therapy warrant further work-up including biopsy to rule out MF. Multiple skin biopsies and review by a dermatopathologist with expertise in the diagnosis of cutaneous lymphoma is highly recommended.