Mycosis Fungoides

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a T-cell malignancy (granuloma fungoides), an epidermotropic cutaneous lymphoma characterized by helper T-cell proliferation; Langerhans cells and interdigitating reticulum cells are also involved. Chronic progressive course: initial polymorphic erythematous/infiltrative lesions → tumors; late nodal/visceral involvement.

Common Symptoms

Palmoplantar hyperkeratosis; lymph-node enlargement; nail dystrophy; pruritus; nodule; hyperpigmentation/hypopigmentation

Causes and Pathogenesis

(1) Etiology: most = memory helper-T-cell tumor; origin debated (initially thought malignant de novo; now many view it as an immune disease progressing to lymphoma, like angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy → immunoblastic lymphoma). Evidence: (i) stimulated normal lymphocytes resemble MF/Sezary cells. (ii) Epidermotropism + Pautrier microabscesses = immune phenomenon (Langerhans → T-cell antigen presentation; defective antigen clearance drives chronic stimulation → malignant transformation). (iii) T-cell receptor gene rearrangement shows monoclonality late (plaque → tumor); HTLV-1 antibodies in 11.4%. (2) Mechanism: three stages: (a) atypical dermal infiltrate; (b) cutaneous extension (plaques/tumors, monotonous T-cell infiltrate); (c) systemic disease (blood/viscera, cellular-immune defect). Triggers: petroleum products/industrial waste/radionuclides/pesticides/light/viruses + host susceptibility.

Treatment

Drug, supportive, chemotherapy

Preventive Measures

Prevention; early detection/treatment.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Surgical Oncology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.