Mycosis Fungoides : Tumor Stage

Comments:
Mycosis Fungoides (MF) - Tumor Stage : In the later stages of MF, the plaques progress to nodules and tumorous lesions in a small proportion of patients. The term mycosis fungoides refers to the muschroom-like appearance of the tumors. The lesions may ulcerate. Patients in this stage often show a combination of patches, plaques, and tumors. This is helpful in distinguishing MF from other cutaneous lymphomas.

Extensive skin infiltration can cause leonine faces. Patient may develop erythroderma, palmoplantar keratoderma, and alopecia. Bacterial infections can complicate the course of the disease. The most frequently implicated pathogens are Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacteriaceae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Patients can also develop herpes simplex and varicella-zoster infections.

Generalized lymphadenopathy can develop in plaque and tumor stages. In 50% to 65% of cases of MF, there is involvement of lymph nodes and internal viscera, including lung, liver, spleen, kidney, and central nervous system. Bone marrow involvement is rare.

This photograph shows multiple tumors in a background of extensive patches and erythematous, scaly plaques.