Folliculotropic Mycosis Fungoides: Update on Diagnosis, Clinicopathological Stage, and Management
January 2026
in “
Dermatologic Therapy
”
Folliculotropic Mycosis Fungoides (FMF) is a rare variant of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma that presents diagnostic challenges due to its polymorphic clinical manifestations, primarily affecting the head and neck. Diagnosis relies on histopathological evidence of atypical lymphocyte infiltration into hair follicles, with emerging noninvasive techniques like dermoscopy aiding in diagnosis. FMF is stratified into early/indolent and advanced/aggressive subtypes, with different survival rates. Treatment strategies vary by stage, with skin-directed therapies as first-line for early-stage FMF and more aggressive therapies like radiation and chemotherapy for advanced stages. The document reviews several studies with sample sizes ranging from 20 to 203 participants, highlighting the need for individualized treatment based on clinical stage and other prognostic factors. Despite limited evidence, the document underscores the importance of further research to validate treatment efficacy and safety.