cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Definition of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (kyoo-TAY-nee-us … lim-FOH-muh): A type of cancer that begins in T cells (a type of white blood cell) and affects the skin. There are several different types of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. Most are marked by an itchy, scaly, red rash that can thicken or form tumors on the skin, or by skin redness all over the body. The lymph nodes may also be swollen. Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas usually grow slowly, but some may grow quickly and spread to the lymph nodes or to other organs, such as the spleen or liver. They usually occur in middle-aged or older men. The most common types of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma are mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms