Mycosis fungoides overview
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Cutaneous T cell lymphoma Microchapters |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sowminya Arikapudi, M.B,B.S. [2]
Overview
Cutaneous T-Cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a class of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which is a type of cancer of the immune system. Unlike most non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (which are generally B-cell related), CTCL is caused by a mutation of T cells. The malignant T cells in the body are pushed to the surface of the skin in a biological process used to rid the body of offending material, causing various lesions to appear on the skin. These lesions change shape as the disease progresses, typically beginning as what appears to be a rash and eventually forming plaques and tumors before metastatizing to other parts of the body.
Based on the organ involvement, cutaneous T cell lymphoma may be classified into mycosis fungoides (MF) and sézary syndrome (SS).[1]Mycosis Fungoides was first described in 1806 by French dermatologist Jean-Louis-Marc Alibert. Sézary's disease was first described by Albert Sézary. Cutaneous T cell lymphoma arises from T-cells. On microscopic histopathological analysis, atypical lymphoid cells, polymorphous inflammatory infiltrate in the dermis, and lymphocytes with cerebroid nuclei are characteristic findings of mycosis fungoides.
Historical Perspective
Mycosis Fungoides was first described in 1806 by French dermatologist Jean-Louis-Marc Alibert. Sézary's disease was first described by Albert Sézary.
Classification
Based on the organ involvement, cutaneous T cell lymphoma may be classified into mycosis fungoides (MF) and sézary syndrome (SS).[1]
Pathophysiology
Cutaneous T cell lymphoma arises from T-cells. On microscopic histopathological analysis, atypical lymphoid cells, polymorphous inflammatory infiltrate in the dermis, and lymphocytes with cerebroid nuclei are characteristic findings of mycosis fungoides.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Cutaneous T cell lymphoma. Canadian Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/types-of-nhl/cutaneous-t-cell-lymphoma/?region=on Accessed on January 19, 2016