Sezary syndrome

If you're diagnosed with Sezary syndrome, the next step is to determine the cancer's extent, called the stage. Biopsies, imaging tests and blood tests may be used to determine the stage of your Sezary syndrome. Your healthcare team uses the cancer stage to help create your treatment plan.

Sezary syndrome is unique because it almost always is a stage 4. This is because of the widespread skin involvement and the high number of Sezary cells in the blood. There are different types of stage 4 depending on whether the lymph nodes are involved and if the cancer has spread to the internal organs. The stages are:

• Stage 4A1. At this stage, there is some lymph node involvement.
• Stage 4A2. At this stage, the lymph node involvement is more significant.
• Stage 4B. At this stage, the cancer has spread to the internal organs.

Because Sezary syndrome is almost always a stage 4, it is considered an advanced cancer.

Sezary syndrome prognosis

The cancer prognosis tells you how likely it is that the cancer can be treated successfully. Sezary syndrome has a more serious outlook than other types of lymphomas that affect the skin. Many studies report average survival of 2 to 5 years. Your personal prognosis may be different and can depend on factors, including:

• Your age.
• Your overall health.
• The stage of your cancer.
• If your cancer has spread beyond the skin and blood.
• Your blood test results.

Talk with your healthcare team about your prognosis if you want to know what to expect. Members of your healthcare team can explain what they consider when thinking about your prognosis.