Primary cutaneous lymphomas may be either of T- or B-cell origin. Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) account for 75%-80% of these lymphomas and are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms that vary considerably in their clinical presentation, histology, immunophenotype, genetics, and prognosis. CTCLs are seen most often in the elderly, but they can occur in patients of all ages. CTCL in children is rare, accounting for roughly 5% of all cases. It has been reported to occur as early as the second year of life. Most children with mycosis fungoides show good response to treatment, with at least partial clearing within a year; progression to more advanced disease within this time frame has been noted to be rare. However, longer-term studies are lacking and so overall prognosis is uncertain.

The definitive diagnosis of CTCL may require large or multiple biopsies as well as specialized testing of the biopsy specimens. Typing of the CTCL and staging are important to determine the extent of disease and treatment strategy.

Mycosis fungoides and its variants (folliculotropic mycosis fungoides, pagetoid reticulosis, and granulomatous slack skin), Sézary syndrome, lymphomatoid papulosis, and cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma make up 90% of all CTCL cases.

This summary focuses on mycosis fungoides and variants and Sézary syndrome.

Other types of CTCL discussed separately include subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma, adult T-cell leukemia / lymphoma, and nasal type extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma.
 
Mycosis Fungoides
Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common type of CTCL, accounting for 50% of all primary CTCL cases. Erythematous patches and plaques with fine scale and tumors that anatomically favor the buttocks and sun-protected areas of the trunk and limbs characterize this subtype. The etiology remains unclear. Current hypotheses propose that persistent antigenic stimulation occurs and that CD8+ T-cells play a critical role. MF takes on an indolent course over years to decades. Associated features include pruritus, poikiloderma in the patch stage, and ulceration of tumors. Poikilodermatous MF, a variant of patch stage MF, was seen in a higher percentage of children than has been reported in adults in one study. Extracutaneous involvement correlates with generalized skin involvement and erythroderma. Neoplastic T-cells demonstrate a memory T-cell phenotype: CD3+, CD4+, CD45RO+. MF staging requires CTCL physician specialists. Some consider large plaque parapsoriasis to be early patch stage MF.

Hypopigmented MF – A hypopigmented variant of MF is seen primarily in individuals of African descent but has also been reported in those of Asian, Indian, and Latin American descent. The hypopigmented variant is the most common form seen in childhood, accounting for over half of cases. The average age of diagnosis is 17 years.

Folliculotropic MF – This is characterized by lesions on the head and neck clinically and follicular involvement ("folliculotropism") microscopically. Most cases are seen in adult males, but children and adolescents may also be affected. It is the second most common variant in childhood. Early stage (IA, IB) disease with patches and plaques with follicular accentuation and keratosis pilaris-like or acneiform lesions may exhibit better prognosis with an indolent course. These lesions have a predilection for the trunk and extremities. On the other hand, advanced stage (IIB) disease with indurated or infiltrative alopecic plaques and tumors may be more aggressive with poorer prognosis. These lesions favor the head and neck and are more pruritic. 5-year survival rate approaches 80%.

Pagetoid reticulosis – Pagetoid reticulosis, also known as Woringer-Kolopp disease, is rarely reported in childhood. It represents approximately 1% of all cases of CTCL. It is a localized variant of MF, characterized by a solitary, slow-growing patch or plaque on a distal extremity clinically and striking epidermotropism microscopically. Pagetoid reticulosis has a predilection for middle-aged males but it can be seen in any age group. Prognosis is excellent with a 100% 5-year survival rate.

Ketron-Goodman disease is a disseminated and aggressive variant of pagetoid reticulosis with a potential for systemic involvement.

Granulomatous slack skin – Granulomatous slack skin, also known as granulomatous dermohypodermitis, is a rare variant of CTCL (<1% of all cases) that is very rarely seen in childhood. It is characterized by asymptomatic pendulous loose skin masses in the body folds clinically, and granulomatous T-cell infiltration microscopically. The disease may be associated with a lymphoproliferative disorder, such as MF, Hodgkin lymphoma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Males in the third and fourth decades are more commonly affected. Overall, prognosis is good with a 100% 5-year survival rate.

Sézary Syndrome
While erythrodermic MF has been reported in childhood, true Sézary syndrome has not.