Introduction
Mycosis fungoides and Sezary syndrome are classified as cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL). CTCL is a subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that primarily affects the skin. The term cutaneous refers to skin. However, these conditions are not called ‘skin cancer’ since the skin cells do not become cancerous. On the other hand, the T-cells become malignant in these conditions. T-cells are white blood cells that help the body fight infection and regulate the immune system. These tumor-forming T cells migrate from the bloodstream into the skin's tissue, where they build up and produce lesions, plaques, or patches.
What Is Sezary Syndrome?
Sezary Syndrome is a type of lymphoma that is extremely rare. It is also known as cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The symptoms of the condition include dry, peeling, or itchy skin, a red rash over much of the body, thickened skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, abdominal nail growth, alopecia (hair loss), ectropion (a condition where the lower eyelid droops outward), edema or swelling, enlarged liver, enlarged spleen, fever, problems controlling body temperature, swollen lymph nodes, and unexplained weight loss.
The exact cause of Sezary syndrome is unknown. However, the affected people might have cancerous T-cells. These changes in DNA, however, are not passed down from parents to children.
What Is Mycosis Fungoides?
Mycosis fungoides is a type of skin lymphoma (cancer) that affects the body's T-cells. It happens when these white blood cells become cancerous. A skin rash is often the first sign of mycosis fungoides. It does not have a cure, but many people who receive timely treatment experience long periods without symptoms. Mycosis fungoides most commonly affects adults over the age of 50, though affected children have been identified.
The exact causes of mycosis fungoides and other types of T-cell lymphomas are unknown. It is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from person to person. Mycosis fungoides can develop when T cells alter or mutate and become cancerous. T cells, also known as T lymphocytes, are white blood cells that assist the immune system in protecting the body.
What Are the Similarities Between the Two Conditions?
-
Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas: Mycosis fungoides and Sezary syndrome are both cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that primarily affects the skin. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in the lymphatic system. Hence, they are both a type of cancerous condition. However, they are not a type of skin cancer. Both conditions originate from the lymphatic system. The T-cells become malignant in these conditions. These malignant T cells migrate from the blood to the skin tissue, where they accumulate and form patches, plaques, or tumor nodules. However, in Sezary syndrome, malignant T-cells are also found in the lymph nodes and blood. These malignant T-cells are also called Sezary cells.
-
Cancerous T Lymphocytes: Mycosis fungiodes and Sezary syndrome are both cancerous conditions involving the skin. However, they are not types of skin cancer. Both have their origin in T lymphocytes.
-
Exact Cause Unknown: The exact cause behind the two conditions remains unknown. However, research indicates that mutations in some genes can cause both conditions. The affected genes may differ in the conditions.
-
Both Are Not Inherited: Mycosis fungiodes and Sezary syndrome are not contagious. They are not infectious conditions and are not passed on through contact. They are not transferred from parents to their children.
-
Skin Conditions: Mycosis fungiodes and Sezary syndrome exhibit skin rashes and other skin manifestations.
-
Affects Parts Unexposed to Sun: The two conditions affect the areas of the skin that are not exposed to sunlight. The lower abdomen, thighs, butt, and chest are the commonly affected areas.
-
Itching: Being a skin condition, itching can be present in both conditions. However, the intensity may vary.
-
Diagnosis: Mycosis fungiodes and Sezary syndrome can be diagnosed by physical examination. Examining the skin lesions can provide the healthcare professionals with the diagnosis. A skin biopsy helps to confirm the diagnosis.
-
Treatment: The treatment in both conditions can be done using medications and therapies of various kinds. The treatment is usually based on the symptoms. There is no total cure for the condition. However, people can have long gaps between the symptoms with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
What Are the Differences Between the Two Conditions?
Despite many similarities between the two conditions, Mycosis fungiodes and Sezary syndrome can have critical features that make the two conditions different.
-
Location of the Cancerous Cells: Sezary syndrome is a kind of cutaneous T cell lymphoma in which cancerous T cells are present in the blood, whereas mycosis fungoides is another type in which cancerous T cells are absent. This is the main difference between the two conditions.
-
Hodgkin Lymphoma: Sezary syndrome is a rare non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, but mycosis fungoides is a common non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
-
Prognosis: The prognosis of both conditions may depend upon various factors. This includes how slowly or how fast the condition progresses. The stage at which the condition is diagnosed, the type of lesion, and the patient’s age and gender etc. are some factors that can affect the prognosis.
-
Duration: Mycosis fungoides is regarded as a chronic illness, and the majority of patients with an early diagnosis go on to have everyday lives, sometimes for many years, with little to no symptoms. The survival rate for people with Sézary syndrome or advanced-stage disease, however, is only two to five years.
Conclusion
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is a kind of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Sezary syndrome and mycosis fungoides are two types of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Both conditions may have fatal and life-threatening consequences if not cared for appropriately. Malignant T cells are not detectable in the blood in mycosis fungoides. However, they can be detected in the blood in Sezary syndrome. The skin lesions may appear similar, but other investigations can confirm the condition. Keeping the skin moisturized is vital in both conditions. This is mainly because dry skin is more prone to itching and the development of rashes.
