Cutaneous B-cell lymphoma

Diagnosis

In order to diagnose cutaneous B-cell lymphoma, the following procedures maybe recommended:

• Physical examination: assessment of the skin will be thoroughly conducted by the specialist to rule out cutaneous B-cell lymphoma.
• Skin biopsy: a sample of skin lesion is being removed for testing. A small portion of the skin sample will be sent to the pathology to check for lymphoma cells.
• Imaging tests:
  • Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
  • Computerized Tomography (CT)
• Blood test: this will be ordered by the specialist to test for any abnormalities that may linked to lymphoma cells.
• Bone marrow biopsy: a procedure in which a sample of bone marrow is removed and sent to laboratory for pathology testing to determine if abnormalities is linked to lymphoma cells.

Treatment

The treatment options for cutaneous B-cell lymphoma will depend on the specific type of lymphoma. Treatment options will be discussed with the specialist:

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is a powerful energy beams are used in radiation therapy to eliminate cancer cells. Protons and X-rays are two of the energy sources used in radiation. It can be used alone to treat the cancer and occasionally applied after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.

Surgical removal of the cancer

Surgical excision is a procedure to remove the cancer and part of the surrounding healthy tissue may be suggested by the doctor. If patients only have a small amount of cutaneous lymphoma, such as a single or a few areas, this might be an option.

Targeted Drug Therapy

The drugs used in targeted therapy target specific compounds found in cancer cells. Targeted drug therapies kill cancer cells by blocking these substances. Cutaneous lymphoma can be treated with targeted treatment medicines injected into the cancer or administered intravenously.

Medication

The cancer may occasionally be injected with medication. One instance is the use of steroids. A slow-growing form of cutaneous lymphoma may use this treatment.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses medications containing chemicals that kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs can be applied to the skin to treat cutaneous lymphoma. It can also be administered through a vein. In case the cancer is advanced or growing quickly, this treatment option might be used.