What Is Cutaneous Lymphoma? Cutaneous lymphoma refers to a group of lymphomas that present in the skin at the time of diagnosis. A lymphoma is a cancer of a type of white blood cell called a lymphocyte. Lymphocytes are part of the body’s immune system, and their job is to protect the body against infections.

The two main types of lymphocytes are B lymphocytes (B cells) and T lymphocytes (T cells). In lymphoma, one or more lymphocytes (B-cell or T-cell) mutate and grow in an uncontrolled manner. Lymphomas are classified according to the cell type they originate from, thus there are B-cell lymphomas and T-cell lymphomas.

Lymphocytes are found within the lymphatic system, which includes the lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels, bone marrow, spleen, and thymus. Most systemic lymphomas …show more content…
MF is generally a slow-growing disease. It may stay confined to the skin for many years. In fact, patients with early-stage, limited disease have a life expectancy similar to other members of the general population.

Sezary Syndrome

Sezary syndrome accounts for approximately 15% of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma cases (Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation 2012). In this condition, patients develop a red rash that covers almost the entire body (called erythroderma). The skin is often thickened and can be hot, very itchy, and sore. Unlike other types of CTCLs, which affect only the skin, Sezary syndrome affects both the skin and the blood. Lymphoma cells called Sezary cells are found in the skin and the blood, and lymph nodes are often enlarged.

Sezary syndrome tends to grow and spread faster than mycosis fungoides. It is also harder to treat. Patients with Sezary syndrome often have highly compromised immune systems, which increases a patient’s risk of serious infection.

Primary Cutaneous CD30-Positive Lymphoproliferative Disorders