Mycosis Fungoides T-cell Lymphoma of the Skin

Mycosis Fungoides

I. Definition:

Mycosis fungoides is a type of lymphoma. Lymphomas are blood tumors. In mycosis fungoides the blood lymphoma stays mostly in the skin. This results in a rash. Most people who have mycosis fungoides will have the rash over many years. It is very difficult to determine if someone has mycosis fungoides, usually several biopsies are required over a number of years before the diagnosis can be made.

II. Causes:

The cause of mycosis fungoides is unknown.

III. Prognosis:

Must people who have mycosis fungoides have it for years. It can cause death but this is unusual. Most people who have this condition live a normal life span and die of something else.

IV. Treatment:

Treatment is temporarily effective, and may need to be continued for quite a while. There is no cure for mycosis fungoides.
Ultraviolet light (PUVA) will often help control the condition. This involves coming to the office two to three times a week for ten to fifteen minutes.
Mild mycosis fungoides can be treated effectively with cortisone ointments.
Nitrogen mustard, a chemotherapy drug, is sometimes applied to the skin to control mycosis fungoides.
Photochemotherapy or photopheresis is a technique used at major medical centers for the treatment of mycosis fungoides.

The Skin Site Ô: www.skinsite.com
©2005-2006