Comprehensive Guide to Diagnosing and Managing Mycosis Fungoides

Understanding and Treating Mycosis Fungoides

Mycosis fungoides, also referred to as Albert-Bazin syndrome or granuloma fungoides, is a rare type of skin lymphoma classified as cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. It results from abnormal, unchecked growth of T-cells, a kind of white blood cell. Although primarily affecting the skin, the disease may progress internally, leading to more severe health issues.

Symptoms vary from mild skin rashes to persistent, itchy, thickened patches that can develop into tumors.

How to diagnose mycosis fungoides
When skin rashes persist despite treatment, a biopsy is often recommended. This involves removing a small skin sample for microscopic examination to identify malignant cells. Multiple biopsies may be necessary for confirmation. Blood tests, including counting red blood cells, platelets, and T-lymphocytes, are also conducted. Flow cytometry, a laboratory technique, evaluates blood cell characteristics to detect cancerous T-cells. Cells or tissue samples can also be stained and analyzed with laser technology for diagnosis.

Managing mycosis fungoides
Many patients can achieve long-term remission even if the disease isn’t entirely cured. Early-stage management typically involves topical treatments, while advanced cases may require more aggressive methods.

Topical therapies: Creams, gels, and lotions containing corticosteroids or retinoids are used to control early skin symptoms. Chemotherapy agents may be prescribed to suppress cancer growth on the skin.

Phototherapy: Ultraviolet light therapy helps repair skin lesions. Sometimes, medications are given beforehand to make T-cells more responsive to light exposure. For later stages, radiation therapy using electron beams can target and destroy cancerous skin areas.

Photopheresis: This procedure involves processing blood outside the body, removing T-cells, treating them with medication, and exposing them to ultraviolet light to reduce their cancerous potential.