Mycosis fungoides: an overview.

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a lymphoma that appears to have a unique relationship with the skin. In recent years our knowledge about this disease has increased considerably, in particular regarding the nature of the malignant cells and their functional characteristics. Furthermore, there is mounting evidence suggesting a viral etiology. Since its first description by Alibert in the early part of the past century, MF has been the subject of much controversy in regard to fundamental issues such as clinical and histological criteria for the establishment of the diagnosis [1] as well as its relationship to other lymphomas and skin diseases. Some of this controversy remains today. Mycosis fungoides is a relatively uncommon disease, the incidence being in the order of 1-2 million per year [1,2]. As is the case with most neoplastic diseases, the incidence increases with age; however, relatively speaking MF is not exceptional among individuals in their twenties or thirties. As for sex distribution there is a slight preponderance of men [3-5].