ABSTRACT
The earliest stage of mycosis fungoides (MF) is the patch stage. Patch-stage lesions are typically thin, noninfiltrated, pink, and slightly scaly (Figures 2.1-2.3). Most lesions range from about 2 to 6 cm, but they may be smaller or much larger. The sites of predilection are the sun-protected areas such as the buttocks, hips, lower abdomen, groins, breasts, and inner extremities. Conversely, patch-stage lesions are relatively uncommon on sun-exposed areas such as the face and dorsa of the hands. Nevertheless, lesions may appear on any part of the body surface. Patch-stage lesions may be atrophic. When atrophic lesions exhibit telangiectasia and pigmentation, the term “poikiloderma” is used (Figures 2.4 and 2.5).
