What Is Mycosis Fungoides?
Mycosis fungoides is the most common form of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. It is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that primarily affects the skin. The disease develops when abnormal T lymphocytes accumulate within the skin.
This leads to chronic inflammation and slowly evolving skin lesions. It usually progresses gradually over many years. Because the condition can resemble dermatitis or psoriasis, diagnosis may be delayed.
Early treatment focuses on controlling localized lesions, relieving symptoms, and preventing disease progression.
Symptoms
- Persistent flat, red patches that may resemble dermatitis.
- Thickened plaques with scaling or itching.
- Skin discoloration that may be lighter or darker than the surrounding skin.
- Lesions that slowly enlarge or appear in different areas over time.
Predisposition
- Most commonly diagnosed in adults over 50 years of age.
- More frequent in men than women.
- The exact cause remains unknown, and no single genetic or environmental factor has been identified.
- The disease is not contagious and is not inherited.
Treatment with Excimer Light
308-nm excimer light delivers high-intensity monochromatic UVB to localized mycosis fungoides lesions. The treatment relieves itching and other inflammatory symptoms by reducing local inflammation.
By inhibiting the activity of abnormal T lymphocytes, it improves symptom control and promotes the resolution of localized lesions. It also supports the restoration of skin barrier function and contributes to healthier skin and improved patient comfort. As skin inflammation reduces, patients experience an improvement in skin sensation.
Before and After
Photos unretouched. Individual results may vary.
Courtesy of Dr Sakhiya
Courtesy of Dr Sakhiya
Courtesy of Pr Thierry PASSERON
Courtesy of Pr Thierry PASSERON
Courtesy of Dr Armaghan ZAREA
