Mycosis Fungoides: Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Mycosis fungoides (MF), also known as Alibert-Bazin syndrome or granuloma fungoides, is the most common form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Cutaneous lymphomas are an uncommon, heterogeneous group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) of T- and B-cell origin where the skin is the primary organ of involvement. This is a case of a 60-year-old Nigerian woman, who was diagnosed and managed as a case of chronic dermatitis but further investigations confirmed a diagnosis of MF; she was thereafter managed with topical glucocorticoids/chemotherapy and improved on these treatments. We make a plea for better awareness of the disease among physicians and pathologists in Africa.

A retrospective review of cutaneous lymphoma in Botswana

“…Only a limited number of case reports and case series have described cutaneous lymphoma in sub‐Saharan Africa, however, there have been no systematic reviews of the clinical and histological findings of cutaneous lymphoma within this population . Several issues, including HIV coinfection, lack of access to specialty providers, and a relatively large dispersed rural population, may contribute to burden and late presentation of disease that can be seen in this setting.…”

Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma: Establishing a Diagnosis in a Patient with a Dramatic Tumor

“…One hypothesis is that of persistent antigen stimulation, suggesting that various exogenous sources including Staphylococcus aureus supertoxin or even glass exposure may induce a malignant T-cell clone through chronic stimulation. Additionally, viral induction has been observed to stimulate malignant T-cell populations, particularly human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 [2].…”

“…Mycosis fungoides (MF), the most common subset of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) [1], is one of the great masqueraders in medicine. Despite this, however, the clinical picture can be striking, and persistence is often needed in confirming the diagnosis [1,2]. We present a case of dramatic tumor stage mycosis fungoides.…”

“…Although mycosis fungoides may be difficult to diagnose in early stages, multiple factors correlated to this patient's late stage of diagnosis. As early diagnosis is paramount in improving patient survival, this paper demonstrates the need for communication and relentless workups when reconciling clinical with histopathologic findings [2].…”

Other Chemotherapeutic Agents in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma

“…93 In the patient reported, however, who had stage IB disease, skin-directed therapies are standard and not multiagent chemotherapy. Several other cases with modified CHOP regimens have also been described replacing epirubicin for doxorubicin.…”