What is cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL)?

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What is cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL)?

Lymphoma is the most frequent form of blood cancer, occurring when lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) multiply uncontrollably. The two main kinds of lymphocytes that develop into lymphomas are B-cells and T-cells.

CTCL is a general term for T-cell lymphomas that affect the skin. There are three main subtypes:

  • Mycosis fungoides: The most frequent type of CTCL (50 percent of all cases), it usually involves only the skin and grows slowly over many years.
  • Sézary syndrome: The second most common type of CTCL (15 percent of all cases). Lymphoma cells are found in both the skin and the bloodstream.
  • CD30-positive lymphoproliferative disorders: This type includes a wide range of CTCLs, some of which can grow very quickly.

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