An Overview of Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma For NEET PG
Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma is a rare cancer that affects the skin. Read on for diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, and more about Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma.
Deeksha Dixit11 Mar, 2024
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Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma is a rare type of cancer that starts in white blood cells (WBCs). These WBCs are known as T-lymphocytes and fight body infection as a part of the immune system. When these T cells attack the skin due to abnormality they become cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
In medical terms, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is a slow-growing rare type of blood cancer that develops over the years. While there is no cure, Dermatologists and Oncologists collaborate closely with other specialists in the comprehensive treatment of this challenging disease.About Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma
Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma (CTCL) is a rare form of blood cancer originating from white blood cells T-lymphocytes due to abnormal T cells. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma pathology outlines suggest that it originates in lymph tissue found througho ut the body including the spleen, bone marrow, tonsils, intestines, and skin. As a slow-growing blood cancer, T-cell Lymphoma manifests through symptoms such as rashes, intense itching, and skin abnormalities resembling common dermatological conditions. The most common types of CTCL cancer as studied for medical exams are:- Mycosis Fungoides
- Sezary Syndrome
Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma Symptoms
One of the concerns regarding cutaneous T-cell lymphoma cancer is that its diagnosis is challenging due to overlapping symptoms with common skin problems. Common symptoms of CTCL include itchy round patches of skin, skin lumps, rash-like skin redness, etc. However, symptoms also depend on the stage of this T-cell cancer as shown below:| Stage-wise Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma Symptoms | |
| Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma Stages | Symptoms |
| Stage 1 | Dry, red, scaly patches, plaques on the skin, or skin bumps Sezary (lymphoma) cells in the blood in a small number Normal lymph nodes |
| Stage 2 | 80% of the skin is covered by dry, red, scaly patches, plaques, or bumps. Lymph nodes are now enlarged Or At least 1 tumor/1 cm wide lesion on the skin |
| Stage 3 | Most of the skin is dry, red, scaly, or bumpy There can be a small number of Sezary cells in the blood |
| Stage 4 | There can be many Sezary cells in the blood (there can be none) The lymph nodes are now enlarged and contain the CTCL cancer cells Cancer spreads to other organs (liver or spleen) |
Diagnosis of Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma
As implicated, it is challenging to separate the CTCL from common skin issues, particularly in the initial stages. This is why it is recommended to consult medical practitioners for the diagnosis of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Here are some common tests used for T-cell lymphoma diagnosis: Physical Examination: The medical practitioner will examine the skin for patchy, scaly regions or solid, raised growth, lymph nodes, etc. in the initial phase. Blood Test: To better understand the condition, blood counts are checked, including special tests for signs of lymphoma cancer cells in the blood. Skin Biopsies: Several skin biopsies are done where pathologists examine sample skin tissue to accurately diagnose cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Imaging studies: To diagnose if CTCL has spread to other parts of the body, imaging studies like computed tomography (CT) scans and positron emission tomography (PET) scans are done.Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma Prognosis
The prognosis of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma i.e. course of the disease varies according to various factors. The type and stage of CTCL as well as age and overall health impact how long patients may live after developing this rare cancer. Usually, the prognosis is positive if CTCL is diagnosed early and treatment has started in the initial stage. People often live for years after diagnosis of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma as while treatment may not cure them completely it can put cancer in remission. However, there may be chances that cancer can return after complete remission due to the incurable nature of CTCL. This is why it is suggested to keep visiting the doctors as required or recommended by them.Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma Treatment
The treatment option for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma depends on the extent, stage, and other factors related to this cancer. While there are many treatments available, generally a combination of them is utilised by medical professionals. Here are some of the common treatment options: Skin Treatment: It involves the application of ointments, retinoids, corticosteroids, or creams to control early-stage. Chemotherapy is suggested, in which pills, intravenous injections (IV), gels, creams, etc. are directly applied to kill the cancer cells. Phototherapy: This method is also used for early-stage lymphoma cancer. In this treatment, the affected area of the skin is exposed to ultraviolet A (UV-A) or B (UV-B) light to activate the medication and kill cancer T-cells. Radiation Therapy : A standard radiation therapy with X-rays is suggested for patients having one affected area with CTCL cancer. In radiation therapy, electron beams target the affected skin parts without impacting internal organs. Extracorporeal Photophoresis (ECP) : It involves a mixture of UV light and psoralen. In ECP, some of the WBCs are mixed with psoralen, making them vulnerable to ultraviolet light. These are exposed to UV rays to kill lymphoma cells, and treated blood is returned to the body. Want to learn about more such topics for the NEET PG exam? Download the PW MedEd app now!Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma FAQs
Is cutaneous T-cell lymphoma skin cancer?
No, while cutaneous T-cell lymphoma does affect the skin, it is not a type of skin cancer as it begins in T-cells.
Is T-cell skin lymphoma a curable cancer?
No, T-cell skin lymphoma is not a curable but treatable cancer.
What is the first stage of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma?
In the first stage of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, raised red patches called plaques usually appear on the skin.
Is T-cell lymphoma a life-threatening cancer?
Most types of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma are not life-threatening. However, serious forms of this cancer can be life-threatening.
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