Cutaneous Malt Lymphoma

Surgery can be an effective treatment for certain lymphatic cancers.

The skin is the largest organ of the human body. Cutaneous malt lymphoma is an uncommon form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma specific to this organ. It is usually treated with radiation or surgery.

Identification

Lymphoma is a specific type of blood cancer originating in the lymph nodes. Lymphatic cancers are classified as either Hodgkin's or non-Hodgkin's. According to the American Cancer Society, the two vary greatly in their response to treatment.

Types

Lymphomas are categorized as either b-cell or t-cell cancers, depending on which type of lymphocyte is involved. Cutaneous malt (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue) lymphoma is a rare type of b-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma originating in the skin that usually is indolent (slow-growing).

Symptoms

Cutaneous malt lymphoma affects men and women equally and is not specific to any age group. Patients usually have a bright red rash, a lump with a mushroom-type appearance, or a nodule in the second layer of skin.

Treatments

Once a diagnosis has been made from a biopsy, the patient will be referred to an oncologist for treatment. This type of lymphoma is generally treated by surgery or radiation therapy.

Prognosis

The prognosis for patients suffering from cutaneous malt lymphoma is generally optimistic because, according to the American Cancer Society, this type of the disease rarely progresses to a systemic cancer. However, the type of tumor and how deeply the skin is involved also will affect the prognosis.

References

• MD Consult: Malt Lymphoma
• National Cancer Institute: Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
• American Cancer Society: Learn About Cancer
• Center for Disease Control: Cancer prevention and Control