Follicular mucinosis associated with early stage cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: successful treatment with interferon alpha-2b and acitretin.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Follicular mucinosis (FM) is a rare dermatosis characterized by mucin deposits in the pilosebaceous units. It is divided into a primary-benign type and a secondary type associated mostly with lymphomas. No standard effective therapy is available for the primary FM while in the secondary form treatment is aimed against the underlying disease.

METHODS:

We report a case of secondary FM in which a cutaneous T-cell lymphoma was detected 6 years after the initial eruption.

RESULTS:

Complete remission was achieved with combination therapy of interferon alpha-2b at a dose of 6 million U subcutaneously three times a week, and acitretin 35 mg/day, for 6 months.

CONCLUSION:

Regular clinical and histopathological evaluation is suggested for all patients with FM. For cases associated with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma the combination of interferon alpha and acitretin seems to be a good therapeutical approach.

• Authors: G J Kontochristopoulos, D Exadaktylou, E Hatziolou, A Tassidou, N Zakopoulou
• Journal: The Journal of dermatological treatment (J Dermatolog Treat) Vol. 12 Issue 2 Pg. 117-21 (Jun 2001) ISSN: 0954-6634 [Print] England
• PMID: 12243671 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Interferon alpha-2
• Interferon-alpha
• Keratolytic Agents
• Recombinant Proteins
• Acitretin

Topics

• Acitretin (administration & dosage)
• Adult
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Female
• Humans
• Interferon alpha-2
• Interferon-alpha (administration & dosage)
• Keratolytic Agents (administration & dosage)
• Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous (complications)
• Mucinosis, Follicular (complications, drug therapy)
• Paraneoplastic Syndromes (drug therapy)
• Recombinant Proteins