Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma-Focus on some problems, and some solutions

Abstract

Cutaneous lymphomas are a heterogeneous group of several distinct entities of lymphoproliferative diseases. The diagnosis of a cutaneous lymphoma is a challenge, and it is always the result of a careful analysis of several information's consisting of clinical history, clinical picture, histological and molecular analyses. For this reason, experts taking care of patients with a skin lymphoma need to know all the peculiar diagnostic elements very well, in order not to run into mistakes. In this article, we will focus the discussion on some issues as the skin biopsy (when and where). In addition, we will discuss the approach to the erythrodermic patient, whose differential diagnoses include mycosis fungoides, and Sézary syndrome, beside more frequent inflammatory conditions. Finally, we will address the issue of quality of life and the possible support of the suffering patient with a cutaneous lymphoma, well knowing that the current therapeutic possibilities are unfortunately limited.

Keywords: erythroderma; mycosis fungoides; quality of life; skin biopsy; skin lymphoma.