Mycosis fungoides: March 2013
**Core Concept**
Mycosis fungoides is a rare type of cutaneous lymphoma characterized by the proliferation of malignant T cells in the skin, leading to various skin manifestations.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Mycosis fungoides is a type of cutaneous T cell lymphoma, which arises from the malignant transformation of T lymphocytes in the skin. The disease typically presents with patches, plaques, or tumors on the skin, often accompanied by pruritus. The pathogenesis involves the accumulation of clonal T cells in the skin, leading to an abnormal immune response. The exact cause of mycosis fungoides is unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option B:** Fungal infection - Mycosis fungoides is not caused by a fungal infection, but rather by a malignant proliferation of T cells. The name "mycosis" is a misnomer and can be misleading.
**Option C:** Bacterial infection - Mycosis fungoides is not caused by a bacterial infection. The disease is a type of lymphoma, not an infectious process.
**Option D:** Cutaneous B cell lymphoma - Mycosis fungoides is a type of cutaneous T cell lymphoma, not B cell lymphoma. The disease involves the malignant proliferation of T cells, not B cells.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Mycosis fungoides typically presents with a long history of pruritus, which is often the initial symptom. The disease can progress to more severe skin manifestations, including tumors and erythroderma, and can be associated with systemic involvement in advanced stages.
**β Correct Answer: A. Cutaneous T cell lymphoma.**