Hypopigmented Mycosis Fungoides: Case Reports and Literature Review

BACKGROUND: Hypopigmented mycosis fungoides is a rare variant of mycosis fungoides (MF) that usually has a predilection for young individuals with dark complexion. OBJECTIVE: The aim is to describe new cases of hypopigmented MF with confirmed T-cell receptor gene rearrangement analysis. METHODS: This article includes case reports and a literature review. RESULTS: Three out of four hypopigmented MF patients had a positive TCR gene rearrangement. A fifth patient is reported who had hypopigmented mycosis fungoides and classical Pautrier microabscesses, for whom no TCR gene rearrangement analysis was performed. CONCLUSION: Although hypopigmented MF has a predilection for dark-complexioned populations, it can also affect Caucasian patients. In challenging cases, polymerase chain reaction can be a useful method for detecting early cases of hypopigmented MF.