blood disorders
Cutaneous T cell Lymphomas
Introduction
Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) are a rare, persistent, very slow-growing type of Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas , a cancer of a type of Lymphomas (see also Overview of Lymphoma ) are cancers of a specific type of white blood cells known as The most common types of CTCL are Mycosis fungoides Sézary syndrome Most people who develop CTCL are older than 50. It originates from mature T cells (T lymphocytes) and first affects the skin. Mycosis fungoidesstarts so subtly and grows so slowly that it may not be noticed initially. It causes a long-lasting, itchy rash—sometimes a small area of thickened, itchy skin that later develops nodules and slowly spreads. In some people, it develops into a form of leukemia (Sézary syndrome). In other people, it progresses to the lymph nodes and internal organs. Even with a biopsy, doctors have trouble diagnosing this disease in its early stages. However, later in the course of the disease, a biopsy shows lymphoma cells in the skin. Sézary syndromealso starts subtly and grows slowly. It causes the skin to become red all over the body with cracking of the palms and soles. Lymph node enlargement is usually mild. In addition to the rash, people may also have symptoms of fever, night sweats, and weight loss. As with mycosis fungoides, doctors have trouble diagnosing this disease in its early stage even with a skin biopsy. A blood smear (where a drop of blood is examined under a microscope) may show Sézary cells (malignant T cells with a characteristic appearance) and this can help make the diagnosis in addition to a skin biopsy. Treatment of CTCL can be divided into Therapy directed at the skin, such as light therapy (phototherapy) or topical drugs Bodywide therapy, such as chemotherapy or targeted drugs, usually given intravenously Therapy directed at the skin is usually started first and is often effective for years. This type of treatment includes medicated creams such as corticosteroids or retinoids applied to the skin, or a form of radiation therapy called Radiation Therapy for Cancer or with sunlight ( Chemotherapy and Other Systemic Cancer Treatments is given if skin-directed therapy has failed or in people with CTCL that has spread beyond the skin. 