MYCOSIS-FUNGOIDES IN CHILDREN - 3 CASES

Introduction. Cutaneous lymphoma is unusual in children but according to data in the literature, approximated 5 p. 100 of the cases observed would begin in childhood. Case report. We retrospectively studied 3 c ases of mycosis fungoides where the first manifestations occurred befo re 10 years of age. In one of the patients, the diagnosis was not defi nitively confirmed until adulthood. Discussion. Diagnosis in these for ms which begin in childhood is usually a.hieved after a long delay. Cl inically, these lymphomas form a homogeneous group. In approximately 1 5 p. 100, guttate parapsoriasis occurs before mycosis fungoides. Biops y is indicated if the lesions change in aspect or become atypical. The most frequent presentation in children or young adults is vitiligold hypopigmented macules. Histologically, childhood forms do not differ f rom the adult forms and also respond to local treatment as in adults. Prospective studies conducted conjointly by paediatricians and dermato logists would be needed to describe the natural history of these cutan eous Iymphomas in light of progression to aggressive lymphoma of Hodgk in's disease described in certain cases.