BACKGROUND: Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) represents a spectrum of diseases composed of malignant T lymphocytes. The most common type is mycosis fungoides (MF). An accurate diagnosis of early MF may be difficult because of the varied clinical and histologic expressions of the disease. METHODS: The authors review the epidemiology, possible risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnostic techniques, staging, prognosis, and treatment options for MF. RESULTS: The varied and often nonspecific clinical and histologic presentations of MF may delay diagnosis and staging, thus necessitating further studies such as immunophenotyping and T-cell receptor gene rearrangement analysis. CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of MF assists in optimizing outcomes from management of patients with this disease.
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