Cutaneous Lymphomas

Primary cutaneous lymphomas represent a heterogeneous group of cancers that are unique enough to allow for their own categorization by the World Health Organization. Most cutaneous lymphomas are of T-cell origin, with only about twenty percent being of B-cell origin. In general, cutaneous lymphomas are highly treatable cancers, if not always curable. In some rare instances, cutaneous lymphomas can prove fatal, although that is likely the exception rather than the rule.

What follows is a list of the most frequently diagnosed forms or groups of cutaneous lymphomas, with a brief explanation of each.

Mycosis Fungoides

Mycosis Fungoides (MF) and its variations constitute the most commonly diagnosed cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. It is often treated topically or occasionally with systemic therapies. Prognosis is very much stage-dependant.

Sézary Syndrome

Sézary Syndrome is a more serious form of MF that affects larger areas of the skin and can spread beyond local lymph node involvement.

Primary Cutaneous CD30+ Lymphoproliferative Disorders

Primary cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders account for the second most number of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas to be diagnosed. This term covers a broad spectrum of subtypes, including lymphomatoid papulosis and anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma. Since the term covers such a large number of subtypes, it is impossible to generalize about their appearances or clinical courses.

Follicle Center Cell Lymphoma

Follicle center cell lymphoma is a cutaneous lymphoma of B-cell origin and the most commonly diagnosed cutaneous B-cell lymphoma. This is almost always found to be an indolent or slow-growing subtype that remains localized and highly treatable.

Marginal Zone Lymphoma

In rare cases, a marginal zone lymphoma can be diagnosed that is a primary cutaneous B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Under the microscope this subtype looks a lot like a MALT lymphoma, although it tends to remain localized and maintains an indolent course.

Large B-Cell Lymphoma of the Leg

This very rare subtype of cutaneous B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas is especially aggressive and most often is diagnosed in elderly women, although it remains unknown why this is.