ABSTRACT
Primary cutaneous lymphomas encompass a broad category of hematologic malignancies, with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and cutaneous B-cell lymphoma (CBCL) accounting for more than 80% of all cases. Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common type of CTCL and represents nearly 50% of all primary cutaneous lymphomas. MF is a malignancy of CD4+ memory T cells. Most common age of presentation is ≥55 years, but MF has been reported in younger age groups. MF is usually an indolent malignancy with a prolonged course. Less than one-third of patients develop advanced disease. CBCLs account for 25%±29% of all primary lymphomas in the United States. It is very important to distinguish between primary CBCL and systemic B cell lymphoma with cutaneous involvement, as the prognosis and management differ greatly. The most common type of CBCL is primary cutaneous follicle center B-cell lymphoma (PCFCL). Median age at diagnosis is 60 years. Like CTCL, the majority of CBCL is indolent and may recur after treatment. Recurrence, however, does not portend a worse prognosis.
