Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Diagnosis

Dermatologists work with hematologists, pathologists, radiologists and other experts to diagnose cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Tests and procedures used to confirm a diagnosis include:

• Physical exam. Your doctor will examine your skin for patchy, scaly regions or solid, raised growths. You will also be examined for signs that your lymph nodes or other organs might be affected.
• Blood tests. Your blood may be tested to determine if it contains skin lymphoma cells.
• Skin biopsies. A pathologist examines a small sample of skin removed during a biopsy to determine whether it contains cancer cells. You may need multiple skin biopsies to confirm your diagnosis.
• Imaging tests. Imaging tests, such as computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), can help determine if cancer cells have spread to other areas of the body.