The Diagnosis, Staging, and Treatment Options for Mycosis Fungoides

Abstract

Background Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) represents a spectrum of diseases composed of malignant T lymphocytes. The most common type is mycosis fungoides (MF). An accurate diagnosis of early MF may be difficult because of the varied clinical and histologic expressions of the disease. Methods The authors review the epidemiology, possible risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnostic techniques, staging, prognosis, and treatment options for MF. Results The varied and often nonspecific clinical and bistologic presentations of MF may delay diagnosis and staging, thus necessitating further studies such as immunophenotyping and T-cell receptor gene rearrangement analysis. Conclusions A multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of MF assists in optimizing outcomes from management of patients with this disease.