Follicular mycosis fungoides. A clinical and histologic variant of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: report of two cases

J Am Acad Dermatol. 1993 Aug;29(2 Pt 2):330-4.

Abstract

We report two cases of mycosis fungoides with marked, pleomorphic follicular manifestations. Follicular hyperkeratosis, comedo-like lesions, acquired epidermal cysts, and patchy alopecia developed in various locations in both patients. Findings of histopathologic and immunohistochemical studies showed atypical CD4+ T lymphocytes infiltrating the follicles without follicular mucinosis. Focal expression of intercellular adhesion molecule type 1 was observed within the cyst walls. These findings suggest that the follicular lesions were specific for mycosis fungoides. These manifestations represent a distinct clinical and histologic form of mycosis fungoides. This variant probably accounts for cases of mycosis fungoides with clinically suspected alopecia mucinosa in which follicular mucinosis cannot be histologically proved.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Biopsy
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / pathology*
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Darier Disease / etiology
  • Darier Disease / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mycosis Fungoides / complications
  • Mycosis Fungoides / pathology*
  • Skin / pathology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / complications
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*

Substances

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules