The histologic value of adnexal (eccrine gland and follicle) infiltration in mycosis fungoides

Background: To verify the incidence and the possible diagnostic use of dete cting adnexotropism in mycosis fungoides (MF). Methods: We reviewed the frequency and die intensity of the eccrine and fol licular infiltration in 104 biopsy specimens from indisputable cases of MF and in a control group of 20 biopsy specimens of spongiotic dermatitis. Syr ingohyperplasia and follicular mucinosis were also evaluated. Results: A prominent eccrine infiltration was noted in 32 of 104 specimens (30%). Marked acrosyringial and ductal eccrine hyperplasia was present in 5 specimens (5%). In 13 of the 32 specimens with prominent eccrine infiltrat ion (40%), epidermotropism was slight or less evident than syringotropism. Follicular structures were visible in 59 specimens and significantly infilt rated in 57%. Follicular mucinosis was found in 5 (8.4%). In the control gr oup of spongiotic dermatitis, a significant eccrine and follicular infiltra tion was found only in 1 case (5%). Conclusions: Adnexal (eccrine gland and follicle) infiltration may be a use ful diagnostic tool in MF, particularly in those in which epidermotropism i s slight.