Early Organ Metastasis in Granulomatous Mycosis Fungoides: A Systematic Review

Dermatology. 2024;240(3):468-473. doi: 10.1159/000537893. Epub 2024 Feb 29.

Abstract

Background: Granulomatous mycosis fungoides (GMF) is a rare form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma characterized by a granulomatous inflammatory infiltrate.

Objective: The impact of granulomatous inflammation on the prognosis of the disease remains controversial as there have been both favorable and unfavorable outcomes documented.

Methods: We performed a systematic review of 116 GMF cases previously described in the literature.

Results: In contrast to the classic Alibert-Bazin type of mycosis fungoides (MF), cutaneous lesions in GMF tend to involve distal extremities (lower legs, feet, hands) early in the disease course. In the literature, 30% of GMF patients developed organ metastasis, most frequently to the lung. The median time to stage progression was 25 months.

Conclusion: GMF is an aggressive form of MF. Therefore, screening for distant metastases should be considered at presentation and repeated during follow-up.

Keywords: Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma; Granuloma; Granulomatous mycosis fungoides.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Mycosis Fungoides* / pathology
  • Prognosis
  • Skin Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms* / secondary