Cutaneous Lymphomas Consist of a Spectrum of Nosologically Different Entities Including Mycosis Fungoides and Small Plaque Parapsoriasis

Abstract

BROCQ IN his article on parapsoriasis,¹based on Unna's original observation,²describes a distinct small plaque form characterized by well-defined plaques, 2 to 6 cm in diameter (<i>plaques circonscites, assez bien limitées, de 2 a 6 cm de diametre</i>). This disease has been recognized since then as an entity by many authorities in both dermatology and dermatopathology.^3-6Ackerman et al^7-9claim that small plaque (digitate) parapsoriasis (SPP) must be mycosis fungoides (MF). Haeffner et al¹⁰came to the conclusion that some cases of SPP show a dominant T-cell clone (results confirmed by further unpublished data). Burg and Dummer¹¹state that SPP is an "abortive" cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) kept in a biologically silent stage, but it is not MF. <h3>IS MF A CTCL?</h3> Mycosis fungoides can be defined as a peripheral non-Hodgkin's T-cell lymphoma initially and preferentially presenting in the skin, showing