Early stage cutaneous t cell lymphoma pictures

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a rare type of cancer that begins in white blood cells called T cells (T lymphocytes). These cells normally help your body's germ-fighting immune system. In cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, the T cells develop abnormalities that make them attack the skin.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma can cause rash-like skin redness, slightly raised or scaly round patches on the skin, and, sometimes, skin tumors.

Several types of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma exist. The most common type is mycosis fungoides. Sezary syndrome is a less common type that causes skin redness over the entire body. Some types of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, such as mycosis fungoides, progress slowly and others are more aggressive.

The type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma you have helps determine which treatments are best for you. Treatments can include skin creams, light therapy, radiation therapy and systemic medications, such as chemotherapy.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is one of several types of lymphoma collectively called non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

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Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma include:

  • Round patches of skin that may be raised or scaly and might be itchy
  • Patches of skin that appear lighter in color than surrounding skin
  • Lumps that form on the skin and may break open
  • Enlarged lymph nodes
  • Hair loss
  • Thickening of the skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
  • A rash-like skin redness over the entire body that is intensely itchy

Causes

The exact cause of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma isn't known.

In general, cancer begins when cells develop changes (mutations) in their DNA. A cell's DNA contains instructions that tell a cell what to do. The DNA mutations tell the cells to grow and multiply rapidly, creating many abnormal cells.

In cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, the mutations cause too many abnormal T cells that attack the skin. T cells are part of your immune system, and they normally help your body fight germs. Doctors don't know why the cells attack the skin.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

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Feb. 02, 2021

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Show references

  1. AskMayoExpert. Mycosis fungoides and Sezary syndrome (adult). Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2018.
  2. Hoffman R, et al. T-cell lymphomas. In: Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Jan. 11, 2019.
  3. Bolognia JL, et al., eds. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. In: Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Jan. 11, 2019.
  4. Primary cutaneous lymphomas. Plymouth Meeting, Pa.: National Comprehensive Cancer Network. https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/default.aspx. Accessed Jan. 11, 2019.
  5. Warner KJ. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 4, 2018.

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Associated Procedures

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  • CT scan
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  • Positron emission tomography scan
  • Radiation therapy
  • Skin biopsy
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What does T cell lymphoma look like on skin?

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma can cause rash-like skin redness, slightly raised or scaly round patches on the skin, and, sometimes, skin tumors. Several types of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma exist. The most common type is mycosis fungoides. Sezary syndrome is a less common type that causes skin redness over the entire body.

What does the start of lymphoma look like?

Common symptoms of having lymphoma include swelling of lymph nodes in your neck, in your armpits or your groin. This is often but not always painless and often could be associated with fevers, or unexplained weight loss, or drenching night sweats, sometimes chills, persistent fatigue.

How long does T cell lymphoma take to develop?

It is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is usually a slow-growing cancer. It develops over many years. The 2 most common types of this cancer are mycosis fungoides and the Sezary syndrome.

Does cutaneous T

Lymphomatoid papulosis, or LyP, is a skin condition with features that are similar to primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma. While LyP is classified as pre-cutaneous T cell lymphoma, it is a chronic skin condition that may come and go spontaneously, even without treatment.