The two types of lymphomas are the Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer developing in the white blood cells called lymphocytes that are a part of the body’s immune system. The two forms of lymphomas include the B-cell lymphoma and T-cell lymphoma which are based on the type of lymphomas they affect. The lymphomas can either be slow growing (indolent) requiring little or no treatment for years or it can be fast-growing (aggressive) causing symptoms needing immediate treatment. The cutaneous lymphoma is the lymphoma that develops in the skin which is
rare cancer. The cutaneous lymphomas can either develop in the T-cell or the B-cell. The cutaneous T-cells lymphomas are the most common types of skin lymphoma that can appear as skin rashes and continue to affect other parts of the body. Some of the types of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma include mycosis fungoides, primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma and lymphomatoid papulosis.
Symptoms
Most forms of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas begin as red patches on the skin which may be itchy. These skin patches can be dry or scaly that appears like dermatitis or eczema. These patches can occur anywhere in the body but common sites are the buttocks or the torso. When the affected skin surface becomes hard and thick, it is known as plaques. The small, solid raised areas of the skin can also develop that look like rash. Some individuals can present swelling in the skin called nodules or tumors that can be few or several in numbers which can ulcerate and become infected. In addition, they will also have swollen lymph nodes of the armpits, groin or the neck, fever and night sweats. These abnormal lymphoma cells can also cause itchiness.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is based on the appearance of itchy patches of skin or the presence of lumps, physical examination that looks for enlarged lymph nodes and the various tests. This type of lymphoma usually develops very slowly over several years, as long as 40 years in some cases. A biopsy involves a procedure that removes a sample of the affected skin to confirm the diagnosis. The blood test consists of measuring the blood cells and the level of certain chemicals in the blood such as lactate dehydrogenase. Additional tests include a CT scan, a PET scan or a bone marrow biopsy.
Treatment
When this type of lymphoma is detected in the early stage, the treatment for the skin consists of creams, a light therapy called PUVA or radiotherapy. If lymphoma is widespread, the treatment may consist of chemotherapy, a light therapy for the blood called extracorporeal phototherapy and retinoid tablets.
References
http://www.lymphoma.org/site/pp.asp?c=bkLTKaOQLmK8E&b=6300161
