What is Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma?

What is cutaneous T-cell lymphoma?


Dr Carrie Van Der Weyden, Consultant Haematologist & Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia

Dr Carrie Van Der Weyden discussed what is cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is the name given to a group of conditions that affect malignant T-cells and are found in the skin tissue. The most common types are Mycosis Fungoides and Sezary syndrome. There are many other extremely rare subtypes too, including CD30 lymphoproliferative disorders.

Mycosis Fungoides is mostly a slow growing, indolent lymphoma where many people do not realise they have the disease or people may only have 1-2 flaky skin patches or plaques. Many people think it may be psoriasis until a biopsy is done.

Sezary Syndrome is often more aggressive in nature and systemic treatment is required.

Symptoms:
• Dry flaky skin or plaques
• Itchy skin
• Skin breakdown
• More vulnerable to infection (especially where skin is broken down)
• Some become more progressed with larger surface area
• Cosmetic effects – psychological impact

Treatment:
• Most people do not require treatment
• Some need skin directed therapies such as steroidal creams
• More advanced need systemic therapies
• Chemotherapy is often not effective
• Immune moderator medicines work better – such as interferon
• Photopheresis – process where the blood is put through a machine and ‘cleaned’ to re-educate the immune system

Transformation:
Occasionally they may change in behaviour and become more aggressive

Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre is a centre of excellence, where there is a specialist multidisciplinary team. Your doctor is able to call into their national multidisciplinary online meeting (run every second week) from anywhere around Australia to discuss your case and ensure that you are receiving the best management. There are other specialist teams located at Westmead Hospital, Sydney and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Perth.

For more information please visit the Lymphoma Australia website:
• Lymphoma Australia website: www.lymphoma.org.au
• Resources: https://www.lymphoma.org.au/page/1218/fact-sheets

Lymphoma Resources:
o Lymphoma: what you need to know? (booklet)
o Keeping track of your lymphoma – diary (booklet)
o Lymphoma subtypes – fact sheets
o Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma – early stage & advanced stage
o Lymphoma Management
o Understanding clinical trials
o Supportive care
o Emotional impact of lymphoma

“Lymphoma Down Under” private Facebook group; support for patients & carers affected by lymphoma/CLL



Lymphoma Care Nurse Support Line:
• T: 1800 953 081
• E: nurse@lymphoma.org.au

• Category

  Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma