An update on long-term outcomes of pediatric follicular mucinosis over a 20-year period: a retrospective cohort study.

Abstract

Follicular mucinosis (FM) is a rare disease characterized by mucin accumulation in the follicular unit. FM's etiology is still widely debated since its first description in 1957. Follicular mucinosis is usually reported to be benign in children, although reports of malignant transformation, most commonly mycosis fungoides, exist. The present project aims to demonstrate that children with a diagnosis of follicular mucinosis have positive long-term outcomes and do not develop mycosis fungoides. This is a retrospective cohort study where patients with a diagnosis of follicular mucinosis ages 22 years and below were identified. Data surrounding the patient's diagnosis of FM, differential diagnosis, treatments, and long-term outcomes were collected. Patients who were lost to follow-up were contacted by phone for an update on the status of their skin and overall health. Out of 14 patients with follow-up information, none developed subsequent mycosis fungoides or other hematologic malignancies. Pediatric patients with follicular mucinosis will likely present with limited disease and not experience malignant transformation.