Cutaneous T cell lymphoma

Cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a rare type of cancer that affects certain white blood cells, called T cells. Healthy T cells produce an immune response to ward off disease. With cutaneous T cell lymphoma, T cells mistakenly attack the skin, causing rashes, discoloration, itchy patches, lumps, and other symptoms. This type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma typically grows slowly and only impacts the skin but may spread to the lymph nodes or enter the bloodstream.

Penn Medicine’s dermatology team specializes in diagnosing and treating lymphoma of the skin. Working with experts from other disciplines, including hematologists and oncologists, our dermatologists provide complete care for your body. While there’s no cure for CTCL, treatments can lead to remission and make you feel more comfortable.

CTCL may initially look like other common skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, or chronic dermatitis. Most often it includes a lymphoma skin rash and some combination of red, dry, lumpy, scaly, mottled, or thickened skin. A dermatologist can assess these symptoms and determine whether you should be checked for cutaneous T cell lymphoma.

Specific symptoms may include:

• Skin patches that may be scaly and itchy, particularly on skin that’s not exposed to the sun
• Discolored patches of skin that may be red, pink, gray, brown, or lighter than the adjacent skin color
• Lumpy skin that forms small bumps that may transition to open sores
• Substantive lesions that are raised and thick (called plaques)
• Scaly and itchy rashes that extend over large areas of the body
• Enlarged lymph nodes

The causes of cutaneous T cell lymphoma aren’t clear. Genetic factors or immune system disorders may play a role in developing the disease. While CTCL is rare, it may be more prevalent among people who are:

• Older than 50 years of age
• Assigned male at birth
• Black
• Have immune systems that are weakened or compromised

Our cutaneous lymphoma specialists at Penn Medicine are national leaders in finding new and more effective ways to treat skin lymphoma. We have a long history of research coupled with participation in numerous clinical trials, giving us a unique perspective to offer the latest medications and protocols. Our innovative approach to Sézary syndrome using multiple modes of treatment has produced transformational results for those living with the disease.

As the largest referral program for cutaneous T cell lymphoma in the nation, our dermatology specialists are sought after for their expertise in treating this rare condition. We routinely evaluate hundreds of new patients a year and manage thousands of outpatients annually. Based on this experience, we can diagnose CTCL with accuracy and provide well-rounded care to help you manage the disease successfully and feel better.