Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in Adult
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Synopsis
Mycosis fungoides and its variants (folliculotropic mycosis fungoides, pagetoid reticulosis, and granulomatous slack skin), Sézary syndrome, lymphomatoid papulosis, and cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma make up 90% of all CTCL cases.
This summary focuses on mycosis fungoides and variants and Sézary syndrome.
Other types of CTCL discussed separately include subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma, adult T-cell leukemia / lymphoma, and nasal type extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma.
Mycosis Fungoides
Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common type of CTCL, accounting for 50% of all primary CTCL cases. Erythematous patches and plaques with fine scale and tumors that anatomically favor the buttocks and sun-protected areas of the trunk and limbs characterize this subtype. The etiology remains unclear. Current hypotheses propose that persistent antigenic stimulation occurs and that CD8+ T-cells play a critical role. MF takes on an indolent course over years to decades. Associated features include pruritus, poikiloderma, and ulceration of tumors. Extracutaneous involvement correlates with generalized skin involvement and erythroderma. Neoplastic T-cells demonstrate a memory T-cell phenotype: CD3+, CD4+, CD45RO+. MF staging requires CTCL physician specialists. Some consider large plaque parapsoriasis to be early patch stage MF.
MF is approximately twice as common in men as in women, and sex differences in incidence increase with age. In the United States, individuals of African descent have twice the incidence of individuals of Northern European descent, though this difference decreases with age. MF is mostly seen in older adults (median age at presentation is 50-55 years), although any age group may be affected. Onset of disease may occur at an earlier age (before age 40), and this has especially been reported in people of African descent and US women of Hispanic descent. Although the clinical course of MF usually progresses slowly, US patients of African descent, especially women with early-onset disease, have a worse prognosis than other groups.
Hypopigmented MF – A hypopigmented variant of MF is seen primarily in individuals of African descent but has also been reported in those of Asian, Indian, and Latin American descent. This is the most common variant in children.
Folliculotropic MF – Folliculotropic MF (FMF, also known as follicular MF or pilotropic MF) is the most common variant of MF (6% of all CTCL), characterized by lesions on the head and neck clinically and follicular involvement ("folliculotropism") microscopically. Most cases are seen in adult males, but children and adolescents may also be affected. Early stage (IA, IB) disease with patches and plaques with follicular accentuation and keratosis pilaris-like or acneiform lesions may exhibit better prognosis with an indolent course. These lesions have a predilection for the trunk and extremities. On the other hand, advanced stage (IIB) disease with indurated or infiltrative alopecic plaques and tumors may be more aggressive with poorer prognosis. These lesions favor the head and neck and are more pruritic. 5-year survival rate approaches 80%.
Pagetoid reticulosis – Pagetoid reticulosis, also known as Woringer-Kolopp disease, represents approximately 1% of all cases of CTCL. It is a localized variant of MF, characterized by a solitary, slow-growing patch or plaque on a distal extremity clinically and striking epidermotropism microscopically. Pagetoid reticulosis has a predilection for middle-aged males but it can be seen in any age group. Prognosis is excellent with a 100% 5-year survival rate.
Ketron-Goodman disease is a disseminated and aggressive variant of pagetoid reticulosis with a potential for systemic involvement.
Granulomatous slack skin – Granulomatous slack skin, also known as granulomatous dermohypodermitis, is a rare variant of CTCL (<1% of all cases). It is characterized by asymptomatic pendulous loose skin masses in the body folds clinically, and granulomatous T-cell infiltration microscopically. The disease may be associated with a lymphoproliferative disorder, such as MF, Hodgkin lymphoma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Males in the third and fourth decades are more commonly affected. Overall, prognosis is good with a 100% 5-year survival rate.
Sézary Syndrome
Sézary syndrome accounts for less than 5% of all primary CTCL cases. Erythroderma, generalized lymphadenopathy, and neoplastic T-cells (Sézary cells) in the skin and peripheral lymph nodes classically characterize Sézary syndrome. Associated features include severe pruritus, palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, lichenification, edema, and exfoliation. The etiology remains largely unknown. Immunophenotyping demonstrating a CD4:CD8 ratio of >10, an absolute count of >1000 Sézary cells per µL, and demonstration of T-cell clonality in the peripheral blood are diagnostic criteria. The prognosis is poor, with a 24% 5-year survival.
Codes
ICD10CM:C84.A0 – Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, unspecified, unspecified site
SNOMEDCT:
400122007 – Primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
Look For
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
MF:- Psoriasis – Look for erythematous silver-scaled plaques, nail oil-drop changes, and nail pitting. A family history of psoriasis is often noted. Psoriasis and CTCL are histologically different, and a biopsy will aid in the diagnosis.
- Atopic dermatitis – Patients are often aware of their atopic history, which commonly starts in childhood. Mild to moderate spongiosis is seen on histology. Look for lichenified plaques on the flexural surfaces and neck.
- Superficial fungal infections (eg, tinea corporis) – Erythematous plaques with a raised, red scaling border. Central clearing is more common in tinea corporis. Check KOH.
- Seborrheic dermatitis – Sebaceous distribution of erythematous scaling plaques. Chronic history of mesiolabial, glabellar, auricular pruritus, erythema, scale.
- Chronic contact dermatitis (allergic, irritant) – Bright red erythematous or vesiculating plaques.
- Small plaque parapsoriasis
- Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) – Look for orange-red, waxy-like keratoderma of the palms and soles. Islands of normal skin within larger plaques are characteristically seen in PRP. PRP and MF are histologically different, and a biopsy will aid in the diagnosis.
- Pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta – Papules and nodules in various stages of healing. Central necrosis can be noted in some papules, like lymphomatoid papulosis.
- Secondary syphilis – Generalized scaling papules and plaques. Can involve the palms and soles. Check rapid plasma reagin (RPR), history of chancre.
- Pityriasis rosea – Herald patch, scaly papules / plaques on trunk. Crusts / vesicles / bullae not a common finding.
- Lichen planus – Very pruritic, flat-topped violaceous papules with fine scale. Associated with hepatitis C.
- Lepromatous leprosy
- Sarcoidosis
- Leishmaniasis (Old World or New World)
MF tumor stage:
Folliculotropic MF:
Pagetoid reticulosis:
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Paget disease
- Cutaneous tuberculosis
- Lupus erythematosus
- Adult T-cell lymphoma / leukemia
- Cutaneous B-cell lymphoma
- Leukemia cutis
- Pseudolymphoma
- Verruca vulgaris
- Cutis laxa
- Psoriasis
- Sarcoidosis
- Paget disease
- Granuloma annulare
- Infectious granuloma
- Reticulohistiocytoma
- Rosai-Dorfman disease
Best Tests
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Management Pearls
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Therapy
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Drug Reaction Data
Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.Subscription Required
References
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Last Updated:10/18/2016
Patient Information for Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in Adult
Overview
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in blood cells in the skin called T-cells. The most common type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is mycosis fungoides.Individuals with mycosis fungoides may have a rash that is similar to eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, and other skin conditions. In darker skin colors, the rash may appear maroon, purple, dark brown, or grayish, whereas in lighter skin colors, the rash typically appears faint pink, light brown, or light red.
Mycosis fungoides tends to be chronic and recurring, meaning people with this disease often need multiple treatments for their rash to go away and to prevent the disease from getting worse. Usually, mycosis fungoides is limited to a patchy rash on the skin. In a small set of people, mycosis fungoides progresses to involve their entire skin surface, lymph nodes, and internal organs.
The exact cause of mycosis fungoides is unknown, but research has shown links to a group of viruses called retroviruses (for example, human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 [HTLV-1]) and to cancer-causing substances.
Who’s At Risk
Mycosis fungoides most commonly occurs in older adults, with the usual age at diagnosis being in the mid-50s. The number of people affected by mycosis fungoides significantly increases with age.Mycosis fungoides affects men twice as often as women. It is more common in and is also more aggressive in Black individuals, especially Black women who develop the disease early in life.
Signs & Symptoms
The classic appearance of mycosis fungoides includes red or brown, scaly or wrinkled, raised patches (areas larger than a thumbnail) of varying thickness. The buttocks and behind the underarms are areas that are typically affected, but mycosis fungoides can occur on other areas of the skin as well. Mycosis fungoides patches are generally 5 cm or larger. Sometimes, a full-body rash develops.Raised, smooth nodules (bumps that are firm to the touch) can be seen on the skin.
There may also be skin that is lighter than the surrounding skin (hypopigmented) or darker than the surrounding skin (hyperpigmented).
Mycosis fungoides is not usually itchy or painful.
A fullness in the underarms or groin area may mean the lymph nodes are affected.
Self-Care Guidelines
Mycosis fungoides cannot be managed with over-the-counter treatment, so it is important to see a medical professional.When to Seek Medical Care
- Seek medical advice if you develop unexplained lightening or darkening of the skin or a new or unexplained rash.
- Although the buttocks, breasts, and skin folds are the most commonly affected areas, rashes in other areas of the body should not be ignored.
Treatments
- If your dermatologist or other medical professional suspects mycosis fungoides, they will likely perform one or more skin biopsies and may perform bloodwork.
- For mycosis fungoides affecting the skin only, your dermatologist or other medical professional may prescribe topical corticosteroid creams, other topical therapies, light treatment (phototherapy), or oral medications (such as acitretin [Soriatane], bexarotene [Targretin], or methotrexate [Xatmep]).
- For mycosis fungoides affecting large areas of the skin, lymph nodes, and/or internal organs, your medical professional may also recommend injectable therapies, electron beam therapy, extracorporeal photopheresis, or chemotherapy.
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in Adult
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