Folliculotropic mycosis fungoides associated with myelodysplastic syndrome: a rare association

We report a rare case of Folliculotropic Mycosis Fungoides (FMF) associated with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) in a 68-year-old male presenting with persistent erythematous, acneiform papules on multiple body areas. While the patient was otherwise asymptomatic, routine laboratory tests revealed MDS. A skin biopsy confirmed FMF. FMF is a distinct and more aggressive variant of Mycosis Fungoides, characterized by deep follicular infiltration, often associated with poor prognostic factors. MDS is a clonal hematologic disorder that may share immunologic and environmental risk factors with cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. Although the coexistence of lymphoid neoplasms and MDS has been described, reports specifically highlighting FMF in this context are exceedingly rare. This case underscores the importance of vigilance for hematologic malignancies in patients with cutaneous lymphomas and supports further investigation into the underlying mechanisms linking FMF and MDS.