The existence of alterations was investigated by microsatellite analysis, methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction, and direct sequencing. No case presented point mutations. The results of this study therefore showed a common genetic alteration that is found more frequently in tumoral lesions than it is in plaque lesions of mycosis fungoides. Broader studies are needed to confirm both relationships. Mycosis fungoides and Sezary syndrome are the primary lymphomas in this group.
Mycosis fungoides can begin in the patch, plaque, or tumor stage or in a combination.
Less commonly, its initial presentation is erythrodermic. Because the initial appearance of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma can be subtle and the histopathologic evidence nonspecific, the disease is commonly misdiagnosed as a common dermatologic condition such as chronic eczema. Misdiagnosis can severely affect treatment and prognosis. Clinicians must be able to recognize this disease and know when to include it in the differential diagnosis. This article provides an overview of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, discusses differential diagnoses, and outlines management considerations.