How effective is narrowband UVB phototherapy for mycosis fungoides?

Mycosis fungoides is a cutaneous T-cell lymphoma that can resemble eczema or psoriasis in its early skin stages. Narrowband UVB can act on superficial patches by reducing abnormal skin-directed immune cells and inflammation. It does not reach every depth, and it is not a complete plan for disease involving thicker plaques, tumours, lymph nodes, blood, or internal organs. Diagnosis may require skin examination, biopsy, and other staging assessments, so treatment should be directed by a clinician familiar with cutaneous lymphoma.

Keep each phototherapy appointment and bring an updated list of medicines, creams, and supplements. Follow instructions for covering sensitive areas and protecting the eyes. Tell the team if a patch thickens, becomes nodular, bleeds, or fails to behave as expected. Do not cover lesions with unapproved products before exposure, and do not add recreational sun exposure. Continue scheduled lymphoma reviews even when patches look clearer, because skin appearance alone cannot establish disease control.

Contact your specialist promptly for new lumps, rapidly thickening plaques, ulceration, unexplained bleeding, persistent fever, night sweats, or enlarged lymph nodes. Report blistering or a severe burn to the phototherapy team before the next session. Sudden widespread skin redness, severe pain, or feeling acutely unwell needs urgent assessment.

Ask what stage and skin depth you have, which lesions UVB can reach, how response will be checked, and what findings would prompt a biopsy or different treatment.