Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma.
BACKGROUND: Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) represents a spectrum of diseases composed of malignant helper T lymphocytes. An accurate diagnosis of early CTCL is difficult because of the varied clinical and histologic expressions of the disease. METHODS: The authors review the epidemiology, possible risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnostic techniques, staging, prognosis, and treatment options for CTCL. RESULTS: The varied and often nonspecific clinical and histologic presentations of CTCL may delay diagnosis and staging, thus necessitating further studies such as immunophenotyping, flow cytometry, and T-cell receptor gene rearrangement analysis. CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of CTCL assists in optimizing outcomes from management of patients with this disease.
Glass
LF
Cutaneous Oncology Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA.
Keller
KL
Messina
JL
Dalton
J
Yag-Howard
C
Fenske
NA