Defining early mycosis fungoides.

This editorial review summarizes the results of 5 meetings sponsored by the International Society for Cutaneous Lymphoma at which the clinicopathologic and ancillary features of early mycosis fungoides were critically examined. Based on this analysis, an algorithm was developed for the diagnosis of early mycosis fungoides involving a holistic integration of clinical, histopathologic, immunopathologic, and molecular biological characteristics. A novel aspect of this algorithm is that it relies on multiple types of criteria rather than just one, for example, histopathology.

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia: evidence for a T-cell lymphoproliferative origin.

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) is commonly regarded an angioproliferative process characterized by the presence of prominent, bizarrely shaped blood vessels. These vessels are accompanied by an inflammatory infiltrate that is thought to be a reactive component. Both the cell of origin and the pathogenesis of ALHE remain controversial.

From inflammation to neoplasia: new concepts in the pathogenesis of cutaneous lymphomas.

Mycosis fungoides is a clinicopathologic term which describes a neoplasm of cerebriform T lymphocytes that form plaques and tumors. We further suggest that mycosis fungoides arises in a background of chronic inflammation or as a response to chronic antigenic stimulation. Subsequently, a series of mutations results in the stepwise progression from eczematous patches, to plaques, tumors and eventual hematogenous dissemination.