Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is the most common of these. Mycosis fungoides is an old term for the most common type of CTCL. It is a low-grade lymphoma that primarily affects the skin. Generally it has a slow course and often remains confined to the skin. Over time, and in about 10% of the cases, it can progress to the lymph nodes and internal organs.

 

Sézary syndrome (SS) is the leukemic variant of CTCL. Patients usually present with SS, but patients with early stage mycosis fungoides rarely develop SS. The presenting features of SS include widespread redness and scaling of the skin (erythroderma), often with severe itching. Lymph nodes are enlarged and the malignant T-cells found in the skin are also found circulating in the bloodstream.

 

To find more support and information about your skin condition, see the Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation.