Which of the following statements about the prognosis of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is true?
(A) rapidly downhill
(B) determined by the type of medical care
© rarely fatal
(D) remissions and exacerbations, but with
eventual progression to a fatal outcome
(E) eventual complete recovery, regardless of treatment
solution:
(D) The typical course of mycosis fungoides is an initial erythematous stage (which might become diffuse and cause an exfoliative dermatitis as in this case), a plaque stage, and a tumor stage. The course is usually progressive through these stages, but all stages can be bypassed. The early stages may progress slowly with remissions or exacerbations. The disease can be rapidly progressive, particularly when the tumor stage is reached. The disease is invariably fatal.
- Which of the following treatments is used for most patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma?
(A) antibiotics
(B) antiviral medication
© aggressive systemic chemotherapy to
ensure cure
(D) symptomatic treatment
(E) early use of high-dose systemic steroids
solutions:
- (D) There is no curative therapy, and most experts provide treatment only when symptoms occur. Therapy includes topical treatments such as tar cream plus ultraviolet light or local nitrogen mustard, and systemic treatment with steroids and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy regimens are used but not with great success.