About Cutaneous Lymphoma
What is cutaneous lymphoma?
Cutaneous lymphomas are cancers of lymphocytes (white blood cells) that primarily involve the skin. Classification is based on lymphocyte type: B-lymphocytes (B-cell) or T-lymphocytes (T-cell).
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is the most common type of cutaneous lymphoma that typically presents with red, scaly patches or thickened plaques of skin that often mimic eczema or chronic dermatitis. Progression from limited skin involvement is variable and may be accompanied by tumor formation, ulceration, and exfoliation, complicated by itching and infections. Advanced stages are defined by involvement of lymph nodes, peripheral blood, and internal organs.
Knowledge is Power
Learning everything you can about cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, or CTCL, will help you better understand your disease, learn about available treatments, evaluate options for managing symptoms, coordinate effective communication with your healthcare team, and live the best life you can along your individual journey with cutaneous lymphoma.
Please click on the following links for answers to questions you may have like:
- What is lymphoma and what is cutaneous lymphoma?
- What are the typical symptoms of cutaneous lymphoma?
- How is cutaneous lymphoma diagnosed and what kinds of tests should I expect?
- What kind of treatment can I expect?
- What causes cutaneous lymphoma?
- Who gets cutaneous lymphoma and how many people have it?
- What is the progression of cutaneous lymphoma?
- Is cutaneous lymphoma contagious and is there a cure?
And click on the following links for "Fast Facts" about various types of cutaneous lymphoma including:
- Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma (CTCL) or Mycosis Fungoides
- Lymphomatoid Papulosis
- Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma
- Primary Cutaneous Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma
- Primary Cutaneous B-Cell Lymphoma
- Sezary Syndrome
The above links allow you to download PDF documents, which may be viewed in Adobe Acrobat Reader. You can download Adobe Acrobat Reader free at www.adobe.com.
A Library of Information
In an effort to provide access to accurate, relevant, timely, and comprehensive information to people living with cutaneous lymphoma and those who care for them, we offer a library of brochures, newsletters and more, which can be accessed here.
A Patient's Guide to Understanding Cutaneous Lymphoma
We will soon be publishing “A Patient’s Guide to Understanding Cutaneous Lymphoma,” which will feature comprehensive information about cutaneous lymphoma, treatment options, treatment side effects, tips for good skin care, communicating effectively with your healthcare team, and much more. This Guide will be mailed to each person on the Foundation’s mailing list and it will be available for download from our website. Copies will also be mailed upon request.