This is one of the common forms of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma where some of the white blood cells become cancerous. The T-cells are responsible for the regulation of the immune system to help fight off infections. This is a slow-growing form of cancer that develops over several years. In the initial stages, the skin can appear as dry, dark patches which can be itchy. Mycosis fungoides is a subtype of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma which is cancer of the lymphatic system. Most of this form of cancer develops among individuals aged 50s and 60s.
Causes
The exact cause of this form of cancer is not known. Most of the affected cases present chromosomal abnormalities which are detected in the DNA of cancerous cells. The chromosomal abnormalities are associated with many cancers which cause the genetic changes enabling the cells to grow and proliferate uncontrollably. It is also possible that environmental factors and various bacterial or viral infections can also be involved in the development of the disease.
Symptoms
This type of cancer particularly affects the skin developing various types of skin lesions. Most of the affected individuals develop the skin lesions called patches which appear to be scaly, flat, pink or red areas of the skin which can be itchy. The skin cells are not cancerous but the problem occurs when the cancerous T cells move from the blood to the skin. These skin patches commonly develop on the upper thighs, lower abdomen, breasts and buttocks. In the next stage of the disease, the affected individuals can develop plaques which can be raised lesions that appear to be reddish or brownish in color. These plaques can either remain stable or can continue to develop into tumors. However, all not the affected cases continue to develop tumors. In some cases, the open sores can also form causing infection. In rare cases, the cancerous T cells can spread to affect other organs of the body such as the spleen, lymph nodes, liver and the lungs.
Diagnosis
This condition can be misdiagnosed as it can resemble several forms of benign skin problems such as psoriasis and chronic fungal infections. This disease is usually confirmed by a biopsy of the skin which is examined under the microscope to determine the characteristic changes. In some cases, additional tests may be required or repeated biopsies may be needed over several years to confirm the condition.
Treatment
The treatment is mostly based on the size, the extent of the disease, the location of the problem and the individual’s overall health. The initial choice of treatment in the early form of the disease is a potent topical steroid cream. Phototherapy as a treatment option is considered when the larger section of the body becomes involved. The advanced form of the disease is treated with total skin electron beam radiation therapy or with bone marrow transplantation.
References
http://cutaneouslymphoma.stanford.edu/community/mycosis_fungoides.html
http://www.cancernetwork.com/oncology-journal/diagnosis-and-management-mycosis-fungoides
https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/mycosis-fungoides#inheritance
http://www.aocd.org/page/MycosisFungoides
