Cutaneous (Skin) Lymphoma
July 13, 2024
This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by Alex Herrera, M.D., associate professor, division of lymphoma, Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope® Cancer Center Duarte
Cutaneous lymphoma (also called skin lymphoma or lymphoma of the skin) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects the skin.
While most types of lymphoma develop in the lymph nodes, lymphoma may form in other parts of the body where lymphoid tissue is located, including the skin. There are several subtypes of cutaneous lymphoma, which are classified by the type of cell affected (B cell or T cell). Cutaneous T cell lymphoma is more common than cutaneous B cell lymphoma.
According to the American Cancer Society, there are over 80,000 cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosed each year, only 4% of which are skin lymphomas.
Lymphoma can start in any lymphoid tissue in the body, and when it forms in the skin, it's classified as cutaneous lymphoma.
Symptoms of cutaneous lymphoma may be seen or felt on the skin. They may appear as flat patches, pimple-like bumps, large nodules under the skin or thick lesions. In some cases, these areas may be red in color and may cause itching. Some skin lymphoma patients notice the condition because they get a rash over all or part of their body.
After symptoms appear, the care team may perform a physical exam to evaluate whether the skin symptoms may be related to lymphoma. The care team may then order a biopsy, which involves removing a sample of tissue from a small area of the skin that can be observed under a microscope by a pathologist. This is the best way to make a definitive cutaneous lymphoma diagnosis. After the diagnostic process is complete, the care team may also assign a stage to the lymphoma.
Following a cutaneous lymphoma diagnosis, the care team will work with the patient to develop a personalized, comprehensive treatment plan. During this process, the care team will take into account the cancer stage, as well as the patient's overall health and goals. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and more.
Diagnosis, treatment and cure rates for lymphoma are improving every year, and research at City of Hope has helped to fuel those trends. Cutaneous lymphoma research at City of Hope focuses on developing and discovering new treatments to improve prognosis and outcomes for our patients.
When you come to City of Hope, you automatically gain access to an unparalleled array of support services to help you and your loved ones take each step during and after cutaneous lymphoma treatment. Support may help patients with such issues as pain management, emotional support, nutritional strategies, caregiving and much more.
Our Cutaneous Lymphoma Expertise
City of Hope treats cutaneous lymphoma using a comprehensive approach by a multidisciplinary team solely focused on treating this type of cancer.
Your care includes regular interaction and input from dermatologists, medical oncologists, dermatopathologists, nurses, social workers, and supportive care staff in the same clinical space.
This team brings together experience and diverse perspectives to arrive at the ideal skin lymphoma treatment for you.
Cutaneous Lymphoma Program Highlights:
- Access to promising new therapies, including CAR T cell therapy, as part of our clinical trials program.
- Pathologic diagnostics to characterize skin lymphoma subtypes, using state-of-the-art genetic and molecular testing — including molecular profiling tumor types to reveal specific abnormalities unique to each patient.
- One of the largest stem cell and bone marrow transplant programs in the United States, consistently ranked by Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research for high transplant outcomes.
- Innovative approaches to treating advanced cutaneous lymphoma that bridge therapies to successful transplant outcomes.
- A psychosocial support program to screen for and maintain patient mental and emotional well-being.
- Survivorship clinics that assist and monitor patients throughout the disease and post-transplant.
Internationally recognized for its research and breakthrough treatments, City of Hope National Medical Center has been named one of America’s top cancer hospitals by U.S. News & World Report for nearly two decades.
Comprehensive supportive care programs to address cutaneous lymphoma related symptoms, financial concerns and spiritual issues.
Our developments in the areas of breakthrough cancer drugs, bone marrow transplants and CAR T cell therapy are recognized internationally.
Our leadership in research and innovation continually enhances our ability to provide novel and differentiated approaches to cancer care.