Mycosis Fungoides, also known as Alibert-Bazin syndrome or granuloma fungoides, is a rare form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cancer. It generally affects the skin, but may progress internally over time.

Origins and causes

Mycosis Fungoides was first described in 1806 by French dermatologist Jean-Louis-Marc Alibert . The name mycosis fungoides is somewhat confusing because it sounds, to the uninitiated, like a type of fungal infection. In reality, mycosis fungoides is unrelated to fungus and the fungoides portion derives from a patient with a severe case whom Alibert described as having mushroom-like skin tumors. The cause of mycosis fungoides is unknown, and is not believed to be hereditary or genetic. It is also not contagious. It is extremely rare for the disease to appear before age 40, and appears to be noticably more common in males than females.

Symptoms and stages

Typical visible symptoms include rashlike patches, tumors, or lesions. Itching is common but not universal. Diagnosis is sometimes difficult because the early stages often resemble eczema or even psoriasis. As with any serious disease, it is advisable to pursue the opinion of a medical professional if a case is suspected. Diagnosis is generally accomplished through a skin biopsy.

Treatments and cures

Like all cancers, mycosis fungoides is presently not curable, but it can be treated in a variety of ways, and if treatment is successful the disease can go into a non-progressing state called remission, which can last indefinitely. Common treatments include ultraviolet light, systemic chemotherapy, and topical steroids. Treatments are often used in combination. The treatment used generally depends on both the stage of the disease and resistances or allergies of the patient, if any.

External links

• Dermatlas (pictures) http://dermatlas.med.jhmi.edu/derm/result.cfm?Diagnosis=197
• The Doctor's Doctor (detailed information) http://www.thedoctorsdoctor.com/diseases/mycosis_fungoides.htm
• Mycosis Fungoides Foundation http://mffoundation.org/