Key findings from this research:
MF/SS often mimics common skin rashes, causing diagnostic delay. Misdiagnosis can be dangerous: some treatments for eczema/psoriasis may worsen MF/SS. Early recognition is critical to treatment outcomes and quality of life. A simple, memorable acronym (A–F) can make a meaningful difference in clinical awareness. The “Think MF” approach mirrors the melanoma ABCDE rule, which empowered non-specialists to spot melanoma earlier.
One key insight was that MF/SS can mimic other skin diseases so closely that patients often receive standard treatments for eczema or psoriasis. This overlap highlights why a clear, practical memory aid like “A–F Think MF” is needed to guide doctors in considering lymphoma sooner.
Patient impact from this study: if widely adopted, researchers believe that the A–F rule could:
Reduce diagnostic delays. Prevent inappropriate treatments. Improve quality of life. Empower dermatologists worldwide with a simple, everyday reminder.
In terms of next steps for this researchers, the team hopes to educate and raise awareness campaigns across dermatology networks, to test the acronym’s impact in real-world clinical settings and to integrate into teaching and training programmes.
Dr. Kevin Molloy, Lead Author, Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, said: “This work addresses one of the biggest challenges in cutaneous lymphoma care – the long delay to diagnosis. By proposing a simple, memorable tool, we aim to change the way doctors think about persistent skin rashes and help improve the diagnostic delay, ensuring patients are considered for the right diagnosis earlier. Just as the ABCDE rule transformed melanoma awareness, our A–F ‘Think MF’ acronym has the potential to raise awareness and improve the care and quality of life for people living with this rare type of lymphoma.”
This work was made possible through a generous contribution from the family of a patient, given in their memory.
Source: Trinity College Dublin