Follicular mycosis fungoides: a case report and review of the literature.
BACKGROUND
Follicular mycosis fungoides is an unusual variant of mycosis fungoides (MF). Unlike classic MF where atypical lymphocytes show a predilection for the epidermis (epidermotropism), follicular MF displays a malignant lymphocytic infiltrate tropic for hair follicles (folliculotropism). This malignant lymphocytic infiltrate results in follicular disruption typically manifesting clinically as plaques, comedones and follicular papules.


METHODS
This report describes a 40-year-old patient with follicular MF presenting as nodules on the face and chest. Histologic examination of the patient's biopsy revealed a folliculocentric infiltrate of atypical lymphocytes with sparing of the epidermis.


CONCLUSIONS
Our case is discussed in the context of previously reported cases of follicular MF; we also include a review of all cases of follicular MF published to date that meet the strict criterion for this diagnosis.
DeBloom
J
J
Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Severson
J
J
Gaspari
A
A
Scott
G
G
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D018859:Hair Follicle / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008466:Mechlorethamine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009182:Mycosis Fungoides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D008466:Mechlorethamine; D008727:Methotrexate