Dermoscopic Features of Mycosis Fungoides and Its Variants in Patients with Skin of Color: A Retrospective Analysis

Mio Nakamura; Tomas Huerta; Kendrick Williams; Alexandra Hristov; Trilokraj Tejasvi

doi:10.5826/dpc.1103a48

Dermoscopic Features of Mycosis Fungoides and Its Variants in Patients with Skin of Color: A Retrospective Analysis

Authors

Mio Nakamura Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Tomas Huerta Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Kendrick Williams University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Alexandra Hristov Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
Trilokraj Tejasvi Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Ann Arbor Veterans Health Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

Keywords:

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, mycosis fungoides, skin of color, dermoscopy

Abstract

Background: Mycosis fungoides (MF) is a cutaneous T-cell lymphoma that disproportionately affects people with skin of color and is difficult to diagnose.

Objective: This study characterized the dermoscopic features of MF and its subtypes in patients with skin of color.

Methods: Dermoscopic images of patients with skin of color seen at the cutaneous T-cell lymphoma clinic at Michigan Medicine Dermatology between 2018 and 2019 were reviewed. Specific dermoscopic features were identified and summarized for each subtype of MF.

Results: A total of 33 dermoscopic images from 11 patients with skin of color were reviewed. Four patients had classic MF (18 dermoscopic images), 4 had hypopigmented MF (9 dermoscopic images), 1 had folliculotropic MF (4 dermoscopic images), and 2 had verrucous MF (2 dermoscopic images). Classic MF was characterized by striking pigmentary change, thick black lines, white rosettes, and geometric white lines. Hypopigmented MF was characterized by the loss of the patient’s natural pigment network. In folliculotropic MF, follicular plugging and hyperpigmented to violaceous perifollicular halos were observed. In verrucous MF, large, yellow-gray amorphous structures with yellow-gray ridges and comedo-like openings were observed within hyperkeratotic areas. Overall, vessel morphology was difficult to discern on dermoscopy.

Conclusions: Dermoscopic features of MF in patients with skin of color are predominantly characterized by striking pigmentary alteration. Vessel morphology is not a reliable diagnostic feature. As patients with MF and skin of color have a worse prognosis than light-skinned individuals, a better understanding of dermoscopic features may aid in early diagnosis and improve outcomes in this group.

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