Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
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Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma usually starts in the T-lymphocytes which are white blood cells helping the immune system to fight infection. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is one of many types of lymphoma. It is also known as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is a rare type of cancer. The T-cells will become abnormal causing them to attack the skin primarily. This type of lymphoma can cause a red rash, scaly round patch on the skin or tumor. The growth of the disease is usually slow.
The three main subtypes of Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma are the following:
- Mycosis fungoides: This is the common type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. It only occurs at the skin and progress slowly.
- Sézary syndrome: It occurs both at the skin and in the bloodstream.
- CD30-positive lymphoproliferative disorders: Several of the cutaneous T-cell lymphoma have the potential to expand quickly.
Symptoms
The following are symptoms of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma:
- Round, itchy skin patches that are elevated or scaly in appearance
- A highly irritating, rash-like skin redness all over the body.
- Lumps that develop on the skin
- Skin patches that differ in color with the surrounding skin.
- Lymph node enlargement or swollen
- Skin on the palms and soles thickens.
- Hair loss
Causes
The cause of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is unknown. Cancer typically starts when cells’ DNA undergoes alterations (mutations). The DNA of a cell carries instructions that direct the cell’s actions. The DNA changes instruct the cells to expand and divide quickly, producing many abnormal cells.
The mutations in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma lead to an excess of abnormal T cells that attack the skin. The immune system includes T cells, which typically assist your body in battling infections. The reason the cells attack the skin is still unknown to doctors.
Diagnosis
In order to diagnose Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, the following procedures may be recommended.
- Physical examination: Assessment of the skin will be done by the specialist to rule out cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. The skin will be examined by the doctor to look for solid, raised growths or patchy, scaly areas. Additionally, your organs and lymph nodes will be checked for potential complications.
- Blood test: To examine the blood counts, electrolytes, and kidney and liver function, the specialist will perform a blood test. While a specific test will look for lymphoma in the blood and estimate how many lymphoma cells will be discovered.
- Skin biopsy: A skin sample is being removed for testing. A small portion of the skin sample will be sent to the lab to check for cancer cells. There are two types of biopsies, the punch biopsy which will be used for smaller lesions and an excision biopsy for larger lesions.
- Imaging tests: These include Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Computerized Tomography (CT), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in order to determine the extent of the cancer.
- Bone marrow biopsy: You may also have a biopsy of a skin tumor or lymph node. This is a small sample of tissue that is taken with a needle or minor surgery. The tissue is then checked in a lab for cancer cells. A biopsy will confirm the diagnosis. You may also have samples of lymph nodes, bone marrow, and blood taken to look for lymphoma cells to determine the stage of the disease.
Treatment
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma patients have access to a wide range of therapies. The best course of treatment for the patient will depend on the individual condition, including the extent or stage of lymphoma. Treatment options will be discussed with the specialist:
- Chemotherapy – uses drugs to kill cancer cell. This kind of therapy can be administered orally, intravenously, or topically using gels, creams, or lotions.
- Phototherapy – the skin is exposed to wavelengths of the light like ultraviolet B or ultraviolet A during phototherapy. After applying a drug that makes skin cells more sensitive to light, phototherapy may occasionally be used (photodynamic therapy). Cancer cells do not regenerate as quickly as healthy ones do.
- Radiation therapy – Beams are used in this treatment to kill the cancer cells. This treatment is good for those whose cancer is in one specific area. In the case that there are multiple areas, radiation therapy may be done with electron beams as these will target the skin and are harmless to other organs.
- Medication: The medications are used in order to control the immune system, such as steroid drugs and interferon. Chemotherapy targets both cancer cells and rapidly proliferating cells, and targeted therapy may be utilized to target a particular cancer cell or cells.
- Exposing blood cells to light: This is known as extracorporeal photopheresis and patient will be given a medicine which makes the cells sensitive to light, and then the blood will be filtered through a machine and returned to the body after it has been exposed to ultraviolet light.
- Bone marrow transplant. This is also known as the stem cell transplant. The process of replacing the unhealthy bone marrow with healthy bone marrow from a matched donor. Patient will be given chemotherapy medications during the transplant, then the healthy bone marrow will be injected into your body and this will help in order to rebuild the bone marrow.
