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
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma care at Mayo Clinic
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Diagnosis & treatment
Feb. 02, 2021
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Show references
- AskMayoExpert. Mycosis fungoides and Sezary syndrome (adult). Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2018.
- Hoffman R, et al. T-cell lymphomas. In: Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2018. //www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Jan. 11, 2019.
- Bolognia JL, et al., eds. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. In: Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2018. //www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Jan. 11, 2019.
- Primary cutaneous lymphomas. Plymouth Meeting, Pa.: National Comprehensive Cancer Network. //www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/default.aspx. Accessed Jan. 11, 2019.
- Warner KJ. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 4, 2018.
Related
Associated Procedures
- Chemotherapy
- CT scan
- MRI
- Positron emission tomography scan
- Radiation therapy
- Skin biopsy
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