Mycosis Fungoidesis a pop in of T-celllymphoma(cancer of the lymph system) that affects the skin.
T-cells are a pop in of white blood cell that are responsible for makingantibodiesthat help fight infection.
In mycosis fungoides, these T-cells become cancerous and cause the skin to develop lesions.
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This condition is often present for many years and slowly progresses over time.
Mycosis fungoides is the most common jot down of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
There are about 3.6 cases per 1 million people diagnosed in the United States each year.
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Reproduced with permission from A DermNet New Zealand and A Waikato District Health Boardwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Mycosis Fungoides Symptoms
Symptoms of mycosis fungoides can differ as the disease progresses.
Mycosis fungoides is most often diagnosed in adulthood, although it is possible that it can develop during childhood.
There may also be red patches present across the trunk or on the extremities.
Patches are flat, not raised areas of skin.
Oftentimes this initial stage is misdiagnosed as another skin disorder, such aseczemaorpsoriasisespecially in children.
Stage 2
This is theplaquestage.
During this stage, thickened skin plaques form on the skin, often in an oval shape.
They may develop individually but begin to grow into each other.
Stage 3
This is the tumor stage.
In this stage, larger, ulcerated nodules develop that can potentially be large in size.
They may be red-brown or even bluish in color.
Stage 4
In this stage, cancer cells spread throughout the body.
Causes
There is no known cause for mycosis fungoides.
Research is currently ongoing to determine the cause by investigating genetic mutations inside the cancer cells.
Genetic mutations have the potential to alter a person’sDNAand cause cancer cells to form.
For a final diagnosis, however, a skin biopsy must be done.
Limiting time in direct sunlight is typically recommended when being treated with phototherapy.
Topical Treatments
Many topical medications may be used to treat the skin affected by mycosis fungoides.
In clinical trials, investigative medications are studied to see if they are effective at treating a disease.
Another treatment sometimes used is a stem cell transplant.
The ultimate prognosis depends upon the stage of the cancer.
Seeking support from your healthcare team on how to manage symptoms and treatment-related side effects is important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mycosis fungoides is slow growing.
It can take decades to progress through the various stages.
The survival rate varies based on the stage of the disease.
Sezary syndrome is very similar to mycosis fungoides.
It is more aggressive and grows more quickly than mycosis fungoides.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Mycosis fungoides.
National Cancer Institute.Mycosis fungoides-patient version.
Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.Mycosis fungoides.
Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation.Managing itch.
