Cutaneous lymphoma in Tunisia: Clinical profile and therapeutic results

Purpose. - The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate therapeutic results of cutaneous lymphoma in Tunisia. Patients and methods. - Between January 1969 and June 1994, 100 patients with cutaneous lymphoma were referred either to Salah Azaiz Institute or the other University Hospitals of Tunisia. Fifty-one patients had epidermotropic lymphoma and 49 non-epidermotropic lesions. Eighty-seven patients received complete treatment. Puvatherapy and other local dermatologic treatments were used for early stage mycosis fungoides. Thirty-two patients benefited from radiotherapy, with curative dose in 28 cases. Chemotherapy including anthracyclin agents was used for high grade lymphoma. Thirteen patients had association of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Results. - Five-year survival rates were 50% for patients with epidermotropic lesions and 56% for patients with nonepidermotropic cutaneous lymphoma. Statistical study has not identified any significant prognosis factor. Conclusion. - Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are both effective. Treatment should depend on stage and histologic type.