Authors
- Booher, Susan MS, RN
Article Content
INTRODUCTION
Mycosis fungoides (MF) and its leukemic variant Sezary syndrome (SS) are the two most common types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that fall under the category of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). These disease states have considerable variation in cutaneous presentation, histological appearance, degree of blood involvement, immunophenotypic profile, and prognosis which may lead to inaccurate diagnosis and treatment.
METHODS
Dermatology nurses need to understand the clinical features and how to suspect MF and SS in order for the patients to receive optimal clinical care available for their stage of disease. The purpose of this abstract was to present an overview of MF and SS, treatment regimens, and nursing interventions.
RESULTS
Accurate diagnosis of CTCL is dependent on the clinical presentation being consistent with the histological findings. The ability to correctly stage a patient is important for determining prognosis and also serves as an effective treatment guide.
CONCLUSION
Patient outcomes are dependent on knowledgeable dermatology nurses who can implement their understanding of MF and SS so as to improve skin integrity, assist with wound healing, palliate side effects from therapies, educate patients about MF and SS, and facilitate opportunities for additional support.
NURSING IMPLICATIONS
The dermatology nurse plays an integral role to unite and organize the interdisciplinary team. Being knowledgeable of the best clinical practices is essential to the optimal management of this chronic, complicated disease.
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