Cutaneous Lymphoma Prognosis
Most lymphomas start in the lymphatic system. According to the American Cancer Society, cutaneous lymphoma is considered a cancer of the lymphatic system, but it forms on the skin. Only about 5 percent of lymphomas start on the skin. Cutaneous lymphoma can affect either the T-cells or B-cells, both of which are a type of white blood cell.
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Mycosis Fungoides
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Mycosis fungoides are the most common T-cell lymphoma and are normally found in people between the ages 50 and 60. According to the American Cancer Society, women are less likely to contract this cancer than men. Mycosis Fungoides presents itself as a red, scaly lesion on the skin that itches. In some people, the patch can progress to a tumor that protrudes from the skin. When it is caught early the prognosis is good and can be treated with topical chemotherapy or phototherapy. If not treated, the cancer can spread to the lymph nodes and the person can develop Sezary Syndrome.
Sezary Syndrome
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According to the American Cancer Society, Sezary Syndrome is when the patches of cancer become widespread over the skin and has spread into the lymph nodes. It can resemble a sunburn and be very itchy. Sezary Syndrome grows much faster than mycosis fungoides. Sezery Syndrome can not be cured, but it can be slowed by photospheres. Prognosis is poor.
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Primary Cutaneous Follicle Center
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This B-cell lymphoma is the most common. According to the Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation, the cancer is slow growing, sometimes taking months to years to develop. A pink or reddish tumor can appear on the head, neck or trunk of the body. The cancer is usually surgically removed. Sometimes a round of chemotherapy and radiation may be needed if several tumors are present. Prognosis is good.
Primary Cutaneous Marginal Zone B-cell
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This is the second most common skin lymphoma and is treated in the same way as primary cutaneous follicle center. According to the American Cancer Society, this cancer is also slow-growing and will appear as pink nodules. While the cancer can start anywhere on the body, the arms and trunk of the body are the most common place to find them. This cancer can go without treatment until problems develop. Prognosis of the cancer is also good.
Primary Cutaneous Diffuse Large B-cell
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This is the least common and most aggressive skin lymphoma, and it affects mostly elderly woman. According to the Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation, the lesions can start anywhere, but commonly are found on the lower leg and are red or bluish-red. They eventually grow into tumors that go deep into the fat. This cancer can develop and spread within weeks and months. As the cancer progresses, the lesions can become open sores and can spread to other parts of the body. Treatment includes chemotherapy but due to the quick advancement of the disease, prognosis is poor.
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