Cutaneous B-cell lymphoma

Cutaneous B-cell lymphoma is a rare type of cancer that begins in the white blood cells. This cancer affects the skin.

Cutaneous B-cell lymphoma refers to B-cell lymphoma that is only in the skin. Cutaneous B-cell lymphoma gets its name from the fact that it affects one type of germ-fighting white blood cells called B cells. These cells also are called B lymphocytes.

Cutaneous B-cell lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Another type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects the skin is called cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. This type starts in cells called T lymphocytes. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is more common than cutaneous B-cell lymphoma.

Treatment for cutaneous B-cell lymphoma may include observation, radiation therapy and surgery to remove the cancer. Other treatment options may include skin-directed medicines, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Cutaneous B-cell lymphoma may be curable. However, it often comes back, known as a relapse.

Types

The types of cutaneous B-cell lymphoma include:

• Primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma. This is the most common type of cutaneous B-cell lymphoma. It appears mostly on the scalp, face, forehead and torso. Primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma usually grows slowly and has an excellent prognosis.
• Primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphoma. This is the second most common type of cutaneous B-cell lymphoma. It appears mostly on the torso, arms and head. Primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphoma usually grows slowly and has an excellent prognosis. However, this type comes back in about half the people.
• Primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type. This is the rarest type of cutaneous B-cell lymphoma. It appears mostly on one or both legs but can be found elsewhere. Primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type usually grows fast and has a poor prognosis. This type has a high relapse rate and may spread beyond the skin when it comes back.
• Intravascular diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. This type is different from the other types of cutaneous B-cell lymphoma. It is not limited to the skin but forms in small blood vessels of the skin and elsewhere in the body. Because of this, it can affect any organ. The skin and central nervous system are the most common sites. When in the skin, it appears most often on the legs or torso. Some people may have a fever or have symptoms in the brain before having skin symptoms. Intravascular diffuse large B-cell lymphoma usually grows fast and has a poor prognosis.

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