Mycosis Fungoides In Nagpur
Treatments / Mycosis Fungoides In Nagpur
What is Mycosis Fungoides In Nagpur
Mycosis fungoides in nagpur stands as the predominant form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, a blood cancer type. It manifests when certain white blood cells, called T cells, undergo malignant transformation, predominantly affecting the skin and inducing various skin lesions. Notably, the skin cells themselves do not turn cancerous in this condition. While mycosis fungoides typically emerges in adults aged over 50, instances in affected children have also been documented.
The progression of mycosis fungoides often unfolds gradually through multiple stages, although not all individuals traverse each stage. Initially, most individuals develop flat, scaly, pink, or red skin areas known as patches, which may be accompanied by itching. Within these lesions, cancerous T cells drive the formation of patches.
What are the symptoms of mycosis fungoides?
Mycosis fungoides symptoms manifest in various stages of skin changes, with not everyone progressing through all phases, and some occurring concurrently.
Premycotic Phase: A scaly skin rash emerges, typically appearing in areas not frequently exposed to sunlight, such as the lower abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and chest (breasts).
Patch Phase: The skin surrounding the rash becomes thin and may exhibit itchiness and dryness resembling eczema.
Plaque Phase: Small, raised bumps or hard bumps develop on the skin.
Tumor Phase: Tumors, raised areas of skin that penetrate deeper than plaques, form in various locations, commonly on the thighs, groin, armpits, and inner elbow. These tumors may ulcerate and become susceptible to infections.
In the most severe stages, numerous cancerous T-cells circulate in the bloodstream, known as Sézary cells. Elevated levels of Sézary cells can lead to the progression of mycosis fungoides into Sézary syndrome. This condition may present as a widespread red rash, termed erythroderma, covering the entire body.
What causes mycosis fungoides?
The exact cause of mycosis fungoides remains unknown, but genetic mutations are believed to contribute to its development. Genetic mutations involve alterations in the genetic material within cells, including DNA or chromosomes. Many individuals with mycosis fungoides exhibit missing genetic material or errors in the genetic material within malignant cells.
Importantly, these genetic mutations do not appear to be inherited, meaning they are not passed down through families.Researchers are also investigating other potential causes of mycosis fungoides, such as exposure to specific environmental toxins and infections.
How is mycosis fungoides treated?
The treatment approach for mycosis fungoides varies depending on the cancer stage and the type of skin changes present. Many treatment options aim to alleviate symptoms and enhance the patient’s quality of life.
Your healthcare provider may recommend:
Skin-Directed Therapy: This involves the application of topical gels, steroids, retinoids, or ultraviolet (UV) light (phototherapy) to target cancerous areas on the skin. Psoralen-ultraviolet A therapy (PUVA) combines a pill (psoralens) with UV light to eliminate cancer cells on the skin. Additionally, topical chemotherapy drugs like mechlorethamine (Valchlor®) may be utilized.
Systemic Therapy: Medications such as bexarotene (Targretin®) or methotrexate (Rheumatrex®, Trexall®) can treat the entire body. Other drug classes include Interferon α and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. Intravenous chemotherapy drugs such as gemcitabine (Gemzar®), pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, or pralatrexate (Folotyn®) may also be administered.
Immunotherapy: This approach enhances the immune system’s ability to identify and combat cancer cells.
Monoclonal Antibodies as Targeted Therapy: These medications specifically detect and eradicate cancer cells. Targeted therapy options like mogamulizumab-kpkc (POTELIGEO®) and brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris®) may be employed if other systemic treatments are ineffective.
Radiation Therapy: This involves the use of strong energy beams from outside the body to destroy cancer cells or inhibit their growth.