| Cutaneous lymphoma is a type of Non-Hodgkin's | | | | cutaneous lymphoma, but the cases are quite |
| lymphoma involving the lymphocytes within the | | | | rare. |
| skin, specifically T-cells and B-Cells. This is a rare | | | | * Sezary syndrome - this is when the malignancy |
| type of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma where the | | | | has spread and covers a large skin area. The |
| tumor growths are seen mostly as numerous | | | | malignant cells have also metastasized in the blood |
| lumps beneath the skin's surface and not in just a | | | | stream. Some patients have no plaques or |
| lymph node. | | | | tumors, but the entire integumentary system |
| The lumps formed beneath the skin cutaneous | | | | may be swollen, red and sore (l'homme rouge). |
| lymphoma are due to a collection of the malignant | | | | The skin can also manifest desquamation or |
| cells in the skin. In an attempt to purge the | | | | peeling off of skin. |
| system of the mutated cells, the body pushes | | | | Cutaneous lymphoma of T-cell origin is treated |
| the clustered malignant cells towards the surface | | | | through a specific or a combination of treatment |
| of the skin. The most common type of | | | | modalities that can range from topical or local to |
| cutaneous lymphoma is the cutaneous T-cell | | | | systemic. PUVA treatment is a combination of |
| lymphoma. The disease manifests itself in several | | | | psoralen and UVA. After taking psoralen, the |
| stages: | | | | patient enters an enclosed room where rays of |
| * Pre-tumor stage - the skin is presented with | | | | UVA is applied on the skin. However, extra care |
| raised, red patches that appear on the breasts or | | | | must be given for it is known that exposure to |
| buttocks and somewhat mimics the appearance | | | | UV rays can predispose a person to skin cancer. |
| of other skin conditions such as eczema or | | | | Radiation therapy and chemotherapy is also done |
| psoriasis. | | | | to help cure cutaneous lymphoma. |
| * Plaque stage - the patches are now irregularly | | | | Cutaneous lymphoma can be hard to deal with for |
| shaped and can appear anywhere in the body. | | | | it can cause some severe changes in your |
| Hair loss in the affected skin area is also noted, | | | | appearance. A support group can help you |
| and can be permanent if the condition is not | | | | combat the disease both in its physical and |
| treated. | | | | psychological aspects. Talk to your friends and |
| * Tumor stage - the incidence of people | | | | family during hard times, and ask your doctor to |
| progressing to this stag is quite small. The plaques | | | | refer you to a cancer support group to help you |
| can now form lumps and even ulcerate. Lymph | | | | understand and cope with the effects of |
| nodes are also affected. The liver, lungs, and | | | | cutaneous lymphoma. |
| spleen is also at risk of being affected by the | | | | |