Benign lymphoma
Overview
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, also known as mycosis fungoides, is a malignancy of the T helper (CD4+) cells. Diagnosis is difficult early in the course of this disease because it mimics several benign skin disorders, including eczema, psoriasis and contact dermatitis. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is also difficult to identify histologically, and multiple biopsies may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Symptoms
PVA presents as atrophic, hypopigmented and hyperpigmented macules and patches with telangiectasias and tends to be located on the breasts, buttocks and flexured areas. The atrophic skin has a characteristic wrinkled, "cigarette-paper" appearance.. Patients with LPP, often considered to be a variation of patch stage CTCL, present with atrophic, inflammatory lesions, primarily over the buttocks and intertriginous areas
Prognosis
The presence of extracutaneous disease and the type and amount of skin involvement are the most important prognostic factors in patients with CTCL.
Treatment
The slow evolution of CTCL, wide variability of progression and insidious extracutaneous spread make a specific choice of treatment difficult in many patients. Topical therapies are desirable in patients with limited skin involvement.