Image Description
Mycosis Fungoides - Molecular Genetics: T-cell receptor gene rearrangement studies (by Southern Blot analysis on fresh/frozen tissue or by PCR on paraffin-embedded material), to confirm clonal expansion, are confirmatory in 100% of cases in the tumor stage, 50-100% in the plaque stage and 50-75% of cases in the patch stage.
PCR is highly sensitive and can detect even 1% clonal population. The results should always be interpreted in the context of clinical and histopathological features as TCR gene rearrangements have been observed in normal elderly individuals, inflammatory dermatoses, including discoid lupus erythematosus, lichen planus, lichen sclerosus, and pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis (PLEVA).
Detection of identical clones from two different sites is quite specific for MF.
The image shows advanced stage MF. The patient presented with erythematous, slightly scaly patches covering broad areas of his body. Isolated plaques and rare nodules (see lower back) were also present.
PCR is highly sensitive and can detect even 1% clonal population. The results should always be interpreted in the context of clinical and histopathological features as TCR gene rearrangements have been observed in normal elderly individuals, inflammatory dermatoses, including discoid lupus erythematosus, lichen planus, lichen sclerosus, and pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis (PLEVA).
Detection of identical clones from two different sites is quite specific for MF.
The image shows advanced stage MF. The patient presented with erythematous, slightly scaly patches covering broad areas of his body. Isolated plaques and rare nodules (see lower back) were also present.