Follicular mycosis fungoides: a case report and review of the literature

Background: Follicular mycosis fungoides is an unusual variant of mycosis fungoides (MF). Unlike classic MF where atypical lymphocytes show a predilection for the epidermis (epidermotropism), follicular MF displays a malignant lymphocytic infiltrate tropic for hair follicles (folliculotropism). This malignant lymphocytic infiltrate results in follicular disruption typically manifesting clinically as plaques, comedones and follicular papules. Methods: This report describes a 40-year-old patient with follicular MF presenting as nodules on the face and chest. Histologic examination of the patient’s biopsy revealed a folliculocentric infiltrate of atypical lymphocytes with sparing of the epidermis. Results and Conclusions: Our case is discussed in the context of previously reported cases of follicular MF; we also include a review of all cases of follicular MF published to date that meet the strict criterion for this diagnosis.