Mycosis Fungoides Treatment & Symptom
Mycosis Fungoides, is a rare form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma characterized by patches, plaques, and tumors. It is also known as cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTLC), which affects the skin. Lymphomas are blood tumors. In mycosis fungoides the blood lymphoma stays mostly in the skin. This results in a rash. Most people who have mycosis fungoides will have the rash over many years. It is very difficult to determine if someone has mycosis fungoides, usually several biopsies are required over a number of years before the diagnosis can be made. If the classic histologic features are present associated with characteristic clinical features, the diagnosis can usually be made. The disease is typically slowly progressive and chronic. In individuals with mycosis fungoides, the skin becomes infiltrated with plaques and nodules that are composed of lymphocytes. In advanced cases, ulcerated tumors and infiltration of lymph nodes by diseased cells may occur. The disorder may spread to other parts of the body including the gastrointestinal system, liver, spleen, or brain.
Causes of Mycosis Fungoides
Common Causes of Mycosis Fungoides :
- The cause of mycosis fungoides is unknown.
- Age also plays a crucial role in this disease. It is most common in the 40-60 year old age group.
- Genetic predisposition may be one of the risks. The people having one or more family member have high risks to cause this disease.
- Causative agents such as long-term exposure to industrial or environmental metals, organic solvents, chemical carcinogens, pesticides and herbicides may also cause this disease.
- The number of cutaneous T-cell lymphocytes in the blood may also be a considerable factor.
Symptoms of Mycosis Fungoides
Some common Symptoms of Mycosis Fungoides :
- Weight loss.
- Fever .
- Itching.
- Insomnia .
- Swallowing difficulty.
- Anemia .
- Skin ulcers.
Treatment of Mycosis Fungoides
- Oral or injected chemotherapy are also beneficial.
- Photo chemotherapy or photopheresis is a technique used at major medical centers for the treatment of mycosis fungoides.
- Treatment for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma depends on the type and how far it has spread.
- If the cancer is confined to the skin, it may be treated with chemotherapy such as nitrogen mustard applied to the skin.
- Mild mycosis fungoides can be treated effectively with cortisone ointments .
- Ultraviolet light (PUVA) will often help control the condition.
- A chemotherapy drug, is sometimes applied to the skin to control mycosis fungoides.
- Chemotherapy to the skin is an effective remedy for mycosis fungoides.
- Drug psoralen combined with ultraviolet-A light can be used at this i.e. first stage.
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