T-cell Lymphoma

Overview

Mayo Clinic has diagnosed and treated many patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Treatment teams may include specialists from dermatology, hematology, oncology, radiation oncology, and laboratory medicine. They work with specialists from other departments, as needed, to create a treatment plan for each patient.

Diagnosis

Because the symptoms of CTCL usually involve the skin, diagnosis often begins with a dermatologist. Mayo Clinic is one of the few facilities in the United States that offers comprehensive diagnosis of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Read more about cutaneous T-cell lymphoma diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma comes in many forms, and each appears and progresses differently. Each form also responds differently to treatment, so doctors carefully evaluate and monitor each individual and base care on the type and severity of each patient's disease. Mayo Clinic also provides inpatient care for patients with severe forms of the disease. Read more about cutaneous T-cell lymphoma treatment options.

• Treatment in Arizona
• Treatment in Florida
• Treatment in Minnesota

About Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma (CTCL)

In CTCL, certain cells of the lymph system (T-lymphocytes) become cancerous and affect the skin. T-cells are lymphocytes, infection-fighting white blood cells that help the body's immune system kill bacteria and other harmful things. CTCL most often develops slowly over many years. It can manifest itself in many ways. In early stages, the skin may itch and develop dry, dark patches. Later, tumors may form, and the skin may become ulcerated or infected.

The two main types of CTCL are mycosis fungoides and Sezary syndrome.

• Mycosis fungoides begin as pink or red patches on the skin that can appear anywhere. Tumors may form resemble mushrooms, which led to the name fungoides.
• Sezary syndrome, a variant form of mycosis fungoides, also is called the "red man disease." People with this form of lymphoma are often red from head to toe and experience hot, sore, extremely itchy skin. Other symptoms may include hair loss, thickening of palms and soles, and drooping eyelids. Patients can have detectable lymphoma cells in their blood.

CTCL is very rare; just 5 to 10 people per 1 million are affected. It is neither contagious nor inherited. Its cause is unknown, but Mayo researchers continue to study the origin of CTCL.