title: Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma presenting as benign dermatoses.
abstract: Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, also known as mycosis fungoides, is a malignancy of the T helper (CD4+) cells. Diagnosis is difficult early in the course of this disease because it mimics several benign skin disorders, including eczema, psoriasis and contact dermatitis. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is also difficult to identify histologically, and multiple biopsies may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment may require a combination of topical and systemic agents. Patients with limited skin disease have a good prognosis, but the prognosis is less hopeful in those with extracutaneous involvement. As the disease progresses, the normal T-cell population is eliminated, and the patient becomes significantly immunosuppressed. Infection is the primary cause of mortality in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
authors.affiliation: Flight Medicine Flight, Yokota Air Base, Japan.
authors.forename: K B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Elmer
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: George
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D016410:Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000209:etiology*