Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is a rare cancer whose symptoms in the early stages can resemble eczema or psoriasis. The disease often develops slowly over many years, and its symptoms, initially looking harmless, may be underestimated by the patient and mislead the doctor.
- T-cell lymphoma is a rare cancer of the lymphatic system that grows primarily in the skin, not in the lymph nodes
- The first symptoms of the disease usually appear between the ages of 40 and 60
- Cancer is twice as common in men as in women
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T-cell lymphoma of the skin is a rare neoplasm whose symptoms in the early stages may resemble eczema or psoriasis – emphasizes prof. Małgorzata Sokołowska-Wojdyło from the Medical University of Gdańsk. He argues that when treatment in this direction does not help, extended diagnostics should be performed.
The first symptoms of this disease usually appear between the ages of 40 and 60, more than twice as often in men than in women. And it is a difficult-to-diagnose type of dermatosis, and the prognosis depends on both its subtype and the stage at which it was detected. It is essential that cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is diagnosed as soon as possible and that appropriate treatment is instituted.
Since June 2022, skin T-cell lymphoma has been among the disease entities dealt with by the Saventic Foundation that helps patients. People who suspect at home include this condition can be obtained free of charge by specialists, which will significantly speed up the diagnosis.
Prof. Małgorzata Sokołowska-Wojdyło, a dermatologist from the Medical University of Gdańsk. He explains that CTCL is a rare cancer of the lymphatic system that grows primarily in the skin, not in the lymph nodes. There are several known subtypes of this neoplasm, of which the most commonly diagnosed is mycosis fungoides, which accounts for 60 percent. all CTCL cases.
The disease often develops slowly over many years, and its symptoms, initially looking harmless, such as peeling of the skin, its redness or itching, may be underestimated by the patient and mislead the doctor.
“In the early stages of CTCL, the symptoms may resemble eczema or psoriasis” – noted the expert in the information provided to PAP. He explains that when treatment in this direction does not bring results, it is worth taking a biopsy of the skin lesion for histopathological examination. However, even this procedure may not lead to a diagnosis, because in the case of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in the initial stages, the infiltration is a mixture of inflammatory and neoplastic cells and the picture is not clear.
“An obstacle to proper diagnosis is the fact that CTCL is a rare disease, which means that the clinician diagnosing the patient and taking the biopsy does not always remember it and therefore does not suggest it to the pathologist. In addition – the immunohistochemical staining necessary for a complete diagnosis is still not performed in a number of centers (although this is an increasingly rare phenomenon) »- points out Prof. Sokołowska-Wojdyło.
«Diseases in this group may progress, affect the lymph nodes and internal organs. In advanced stages, the skin may become covered with bumps, ulcers or even redness in over 80%. skin, which is accompanied by intense itching that prevents everyday functioning – then you need a quick diagnosis and help, although of course it would be better to make a diagnosis at an earlier stage of the disease »- adds the expert.
Timing – as with other rapidly progressing health conditions – is crucial. The Saventic Foundation has expanded its portfolio of diseases it deals with with CTCL, offering help to patients who have long struggled with skin symptoms. They can get free support and help from the best specialists from all over Poland.
The activities of the Saventic Foundation are aimed at increasing the recognition of rare diseases, including Fabry disease, Gaucher disease and mucopolysaccharidosis. In the case of unusual symptoms or a long undiagnosed cause of ailments, you can get free help. The Foundation ensures that all you need to do is complete the questionnaire on its website and submit your medical data. They will be analyzed by artificial intelligence algorithms and by a team of qualified specialists from various fields of medicine.
«If there is a suspicion of a rare disease, you will receive information from the Saventic Foundation which treatment centers you should go to. Using our help is a convenience for people who are tired of visiting offices, because initially contact takes place online. Data transmission is completely secure and each patient receives an answer, even if the rare disease is not confirmed »assures the Foundation.
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