A case of hypopigmented mycosis fungoides in a young Caucasian boy

Pediatr Dermatol. 1997 Nov-Dec;14(6):449-52. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1470.1997.tb00687.x.

Abstract

Hypopigmented mycosis fungoides is a variant of mycosis fungoides characterized by the presence of hypopigmented patches as the sole manifestation of the disease. It has been described almost always in young black or dark-skinned patients. The only white patient described was a 64-year-old woman who not only had hypopigmented lesions, but also nodular lesions with lymphadenopathy. We describe hypopigmented lesions arising in a white boy 12 years of age, born in northern Italy, without any foreign ancestors. The microscopic alterations, with epidermotropism, the immunologic markers, the negativity of T-cell receptor gene rearrangement, and the good response to PUVA therapy correspond to the main findings in black patients with this disease. Long-term follow-up of these patients is important to obtain better knowledge of the natural history of the disorder. Hypopigmented mycosis fungoides must now be included in the differential diagnosis of hypopigmented macular lesions not only in black or dark-skinned patients but also in white patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, CD / analysis
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypopigmentation / drug therapy
  • Hypopigmentation / etiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycosis Fungoides / diagnosis*
  • Mycosis Fungoides / drug therapy
  • Mycosis Fungoides / ethnology
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • PUVA Therapy
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Skin Neoplasms / ethnology
  • White People*

Substances

  • Antigens, CD