Disorder - Mycosis fungoides

Organ Systems Involved
Integument

Alternative Names
Epitheliotrophic lymphoma; Sezary syndrome; Cutaneous T-cell lymphosarcoma; Cutaneous epidermotrophic T-cell lymphoma

Presenting Signs

Mycosis fungoides is a rare form of a cancer called lymphosarcoma seen in the skin. It varies in its presentation. The most common form of the disease is epitheliotrophic lymphoma. This can first appear as one or several reddish to orange, irregularly-shaped, scaly, hairless patches on the skin that may be itchy. Thickened areas or plaques may appear where the patches have been, or in new areas, there may be raised/thickened, reddish-violet, scaly areas of skin in the second stage in the disease. After this stage, it is almost certain that the disease has spread beyond the skin, including the local lymph nodes (immune system tissue). This is important when planning treatment. Mushroom-like nodules eventually appear within the plaques, with this part of the disease called the tumour stage. The disease can also present in other ways, including generalised redness and itchiness, or an ulcerated form. It can also be present as Sezary syndrome, where mycosis fungoides is seen with tumour cells circulating in the blood.

Cats at Risk

Middle-aged to old cats

Breeds Affected
Burmese
Siamese


Treatment

Medical: radiation therapy, chemotherapy and photochemotherapy have been used. Electron-beam irradiation is preferable where available. There have been promising results with the chemotherapeutic drug flomustine.

PubMed References
Mycosis fungoides

Contributor
Karanvir Kukreja