ABSTRACT
Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, whose incidence has been reported to be higher in African Americans compared with light phototypes. The aetiology of MF is still not completely known, with persistent antigenic factors and viral agents being considered as possible causes for malignant transformation of T cells. Hypopigmented MF is not infrequent in dark-skinned patients, especially younger patients of African, Arab and South-East Asian descent, and commonly presents as strikingly diffuse hypopigmented patches on sun-exposed sites. MF in skin of colour is usually characterized by striking pigmentary changes. Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CBCLs) are most commonly present with violaceous, solitary or grouped papules or nodules on the head and neck area. Early lesions generally feature dotted or tortuous/irregular vessels, whereas a central yellow or brown crust, respectively resulting from hyperkeratosis or necrosis, and a peripheral white collarette scaling are seen in mature lesions.
