Hypopigmented mycosis fungoides: treatment and a 6(1/2)-year follow-up of 9 patients.
BACKGROUND
The clinical course of hypopigmented mycosis fungoides has not been well described.


OBJECTIVE
We sought to review the management and follow-up of patients with hypopigmented mycosis fungoides evaluated between January 1990 and August 1998.


RESULTS
There were 7 African American and 2 Asian patients (5 male and 4 female patients); 8 had stage Ia and 1 had stage Ib disease. The mean age at diagnosis was 34.4 years, the mean latent period was 9.2 years, and the mean follow-up period after diagnosis was 6.5 years. Treatment modalities used included psoralen UVA, UVB, and topical mechlorethamine. Eight had complete clinical responses, and another had a partial response. The remission period ranged from 2 months to 3 years. In all but one patient, lesions recurred; all responded rapidly to another course of therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Hypopigmented mycosis fungoides is characterized by early onset, occurrence in dark-skinned individuals, and good response to therapy. Recurrences are common. In most, it has a biologically benign course.
Akaraphanth
R
R
Institute of Dermatology, Bangkok, Thailand.
Douglass
M C
MC
Lim
H W
HW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / Q000627:therapeutic use; D044466:Asian People; D044383:Black People; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D017496:Hypopigmentation / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008466:Mechlorethamine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D009182:Mycosis Fungoides / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D011701:PUVA Therapy; D012008:Recurrence; D012074:Remission Induction; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D001741:Black or African American
D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; D008466:Mechlorethamine