Which of the following statements about the prognosis of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is true?

The typical course of mycosis fungoides is an initial erythematous stage (which might become diffuse and cause an exfoliative dermatitis as in this case), a plaque stage, and a tumor stage. The course is usually progressive through these stages, but all stages can be bypassed. The early stages may progress slowly with remissions or exacerbations. The disease can be rapidly progressive, particularly when the tumor stage is reached. The disease is invariably fatal.