Cutaneous Lymphoma Types and Treatments

There are 3 main types of cutaneous lymphoma and more than 16 distinct subtypes of the disease. We recommend a treatment plan tailored to the specific subtype you are facing.

The 3 main types of cutaneous lymphoma are B-cell, T-cell and blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm.

Cutaneous B-cell lymphoma

This type of cutaneous lymphoma starts in a type of white blood cell known as B cells. Healthy B cells are part of your immune system. They help to fight infection. Most types of cutaneous B-cell lymphoma are slow growing, but some types can spread or behave more aggressively. 

Symptoms may include:

  • A bump, lump or nodule with a slightly raised and smooth appearance
  • A reddish rash

Types of B-cell lymphoma

The types of cutaneous B-cell lymphoma include:

  • Intravascular diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
  • Primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type
  • Primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma
  • Primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphoma

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) starts in a white blood cell called a T cell. Healthy T cells are part of your immune system. They help to fight infection. In cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, these cells grow out of control and attack your skin.   

Symptoms may include: 

  • Skin redness covering your entire body (erythroderma)
  • Skin tumors
  • Slightly raised or scaly round patches on the skin, also called plaques

Types of CTCL

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is usually a slow-growing cancer. There are several types of CTCL, including:

  • CD30+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma: A group of large cell lymphomas
  • CD30+ lymphomatoid papulosis: A non-aggressive type of CTCL
  • Mycosis fungoides: The most common type of CTCL
  • Sézary syndrome:  A type of CTCL where Sézary cells are present in the blood, skin, and lymph nodes. A Sézary cell has an abnormally shaped nucleus and looks larger than a normal T cell.
  • Many other rare types

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer. BPDCN can also affect other organs besides your skin, including the liver, lymph nodes, spleen or central nervous system. 

Symptoms may include:

  • Deep purple, bruise-like patches on your skin
  • Fatigue
  • Fever 
  • Night sweats

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