Cutaneous Lymphoma

Question 1

What is cutaneous lymphoma?

Answer

Cutaneous lymphoma is a sub-group of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that starts in white blood cells (lymphocytes) and affects the skin. Although symptoms depend on how far the cancer has spread and vary from patient to patient, common symptoms include scaly patches, plaques or bumps on the skin.

Cutaneous lymphoma affects either T-cell or B-cell lymphocyte cells.

Question 2

What types of cutaneous lymphoma does UChicago Medicine's Cutaneous Lymphoma Center treat?

Answer

The majority of patients we see have one of these types of T-cell cutaneous lymphoma:

Mycosis fungoides, which is the most common type of cutaneous lymphoma
Sezary syndrome, which is a more advanced variant of mycosis fungoides

However, our center evaluates and manages care for other cutaneous T- and B-cell lymphomas, including:

Lymphomatoid papulosis
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma
Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma
Gamma-delta lymphoma
CD8+ aggressive epidermotropic T-cell lymphoma
NK/T-cell lymphoma

Question 3

Do all dermatologists treat cutaneous lymphoma?

Answer

Cutaneous lymphoma can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms resemble other skin disorders, such as eczema, chronic dermatitis or psoriasis. Symptoms vary from patient to patient and sub-types of the disease often determine the course of treatment. Although it takes time, a proper diagnosis is key to informing a patient’s treatment path.

Question 4

How is cutaneous lymphoma diagnosed?

Answer

Diagnosis typically involves a review of the patient’s medical history, physical examinations, blood tests and skin biopsies. At your initial consultation, you will meet with various specialists, such as a dermatologist, oncologist and/or pathologist, who work together to determine the next steps in your treatment. If a skin biopsy is necessary, your physicians will walk you through what to expect and how to prepare.

Question 5

What treatment options does UChicago Medicine offer for cutaneous lymphoma

Answer

We offer standard treatments as well as research-driven therapies. Treatment depends on several factors, including the patient’s age, lifestyle or other health conditions. We also consider your prior treatments and how you responded to them. Each patient’s treatment plan is developed by our cutaneous lymphoma team and is personalized to the patient’s needs.

Question 6

What information do I need to provide prior to my initial consultation?

Answer

Before your appointment at UChicago Medicine, our team will fully review your past medical information to determine which specialists you will need to meet with during your first visit. Typically you will meet with more than one specialist and could have multiple appointments on the first day.

In an effort to efficiently coordinate your appointments, we will need the following information prior to your visit:

Previous medical notes from your current physician(s), including dermatologist, oncologist and radiation oncologist
Previous biopsy reports as well as glass slides, which will be reviewed by a UChicago Medicine dermatopathologist and hematopathologist
Previous blood work
Previous imaging studies, such as CT or PET scans

Question 7

What happens during my initial consultation?

Answer

At your initial consultation, you will meet with physicians of different medical disciplines for several assessments. After a day of evaluation, your physicians will collaboratively determine further care. Please allow 4-6 hours for your initial appointments.

Question 8

Why do I have appointments with different specialists in one day?

Answer

Each specialist at our center is an expert in a certain area of medicine. By working together, our patients benefit from all of our expertise. Although it’s not easy to have multiple appointments in one day, it allows our physicians to efficiently develop the best treatment plan for you. Also, many of our patients do not live near our medical center. Meeting with multiple specialists saves you from needing to make several visits.

Question 9

How can I prepare for my initial consultation?

Answer

We understand that your first visit can feel intimidating. The best way to prepare for your consultation is to be informed. As you review our content, please bring a list of any questions you have to your first visit. Our physicians are happy to discuss your questions or concerns at any point in your care.

You play an important role on your care team. To make sure you receive the best care:

Know which medications you take and bring a list with you to appointments
Become familiar with your medical history and your family’s medical history
Be honest about any concerns you have. We know this can be a tough journey and want to support you. Let us know how we can help.

Question 10

How can I participate in clinical trials?

Answer

If you are interested in participating in clinical trials, talk to your physician about what trials are available and if you would be a good fit.

Cutaneous Lymphoma

A Team of Experts

Research & Technology

Clinical Trials

Frequently Asked Questions About Cutaneous Lymphoma