Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma

What is Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma?

 

  • Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is a rare type of cancer that begins in the white blood cells attacks the skin. It is considered to be one of several different types of lymphoma collectively known as non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma can cause rash-like skin redness and even skin tumors at times.

 

 

Who is impacted?

 

  • The risk of developing Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma increases with age and most are diagnosed at the age of 50 or older. Amongst African Americans in the US, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma may be diagnosed in the 40s. African American males are considered to have the highest risk.
  • T-lymphocytes (T-cells) are mutated and turn into cancer cells. People who work with glass, pottery, or ceramics have a high risk of developing Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

 

 

How is Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma diagnosed?

 

  • Specialists work with each other assisting with the diagnosis of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. The tests typically done are:
    • Physical exam
    • Blood tests
    • Skin biopsies
    • Imaging tests

 

 

How is Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma treated?

 

  • Treatment is typically done with
    • Skin creams
    • Light therapy
    • Medications
    • Radiation therapy
    • Exposing blood cells to light
    • Stem cell transplant

 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cutaneous-t-cell-lymphoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20351056

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/cutaneous-t-cell-lymphoma#causes