Characteristics of Primary Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma in Iran: A 10-Year Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background. Primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) are a group of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphomas that may be present in the skin without any evidence of extracutaneous disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological characteristics of primary CTCL in Isfahan, Iran. Method. A total of 95 patients who were diagnosed as having primary CTCL were recruited during a 10-year period (2003–2013) and were classified according to the new WHO-EORTC criteria. Results. The patient group consisted of 43 (44.8%) males and 53 (55.2%) females, which indicated a female predominance (M : F ratio 1 : 1.2). The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 41.78 ± 16.88 years (range: 7–84 years). Prior to diagnosis, the lesions had persisted for a mean of 8.34 ± 4.38 years (range: 0–55 years). The age at peak diagnosis was 20–40 years (43%). The most frequent subtypes were mycosis fungoides (MF) (88.5%). Four patients died from CTCL-related complications. Conclusions. The distinguishing epidemiologic characteristics of primary CTCL, particularly those MF, in Iran, are the absence of a male predominance and lower age at diagnosis. This is likely because of the characteristic ethnic group diversity and increased susceptibility among younger population.

Mycosis fungoides two decades after exposure to sulphur mustard: a follow‐up of 1100 victims

“…Interestingly, we found an incidence rate of 0.799/100 000 person‐years for MF among patients of the mean age 43.3 ± 9.8 (36–76 years) who had short‐term exposure to SM 20 years ago. The results proposed that the age at the time of the disease diagnosis was lower in those exposed to SM in comparison to the reports from Iranian populations …”

Correlation between mycosis fungoides and pregnancy

“… 1 , 2 Mycosis fungoides usually has an indolent course and a good prognosis when identified in its early stages. 3 - 5 The peak age at presentation of the disease is 55-60 years, with a 2:1 male to female ratio in Western countries. 6 , 7 Due to the low prevalence of MF, the peak age at presentation (middle age), and the male gender preference, MF coincident with pregnancy is rare.…”