Background: Mycosis fungoides(MF) is considered as the most prevalent
form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. It is well known that diagnosis of MF is
difficult due to its extremely diverse manifestations and non-specific histopathological
findings. Besides, MF has a chronic relapsing course, and afflicted
patients are often receiving multiple as well as consecutive drug regimens. Objective:
To
assess the demographic profiles, skin-directed therapies, systemic
therapies, and the response to therapy in patients with MF.
Methods:
This retrospective study was performed on cases with pathological
confirmation of MF. Patients' data were collected from Clinical Oncology
and
Dermatology departments, Mansoura University Hospital from January
2006
to December 2013.
Results:
A total of 55 cases(30 males and 25 females) with mean age of
45.07
years at time of diagnosis were reviewed. The majority (89%) of patients
had an early-stage (I and II) MF. Forty-four (80%) patients had classic
MF;
7 (12.7%) hypo-pigmented MF; and 4 (7.3%) other variants. Initial diagnosis
of other skin diseases was 41.8%. Phototherapy was the commonest
line
of therapy used for those patients. At the final assessment, 7 (12.7%)
patients
had complete response; whereas 48 (87.3%) had partial response.
Conclusion:
MF might clinically and histopathologically simulates benign
skin
diseases mainly in early stages. Precise clinico-pathological correlation
is
necessary to support the diagnosis. Treatment of MF is principally determined
by the disease extension and its effect on quality of life, as well as
patient´s
age and other comorbid conditions. Skin-directed therapies applied
in early-stage MF can give prolonged remissions, although disease
cure
is unclear.