Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma Diagnosis

If you think that you might have cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, it’s important to consult with a physician as soon as possible so you can get an accurate diagnosis. A physician will usually begin by performing a physical exam, during which he or she will look for symptoms including:

• Skin discoloration (redness or lightness)
• Scaly patches of skin
• Raised skin lesions
• Skin ulcers
• Thick, cracking skin on the hands and feet
• Enlarged lymph nodes

If the examination suggests that you have cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, your physician will likely order one or more of the following tests to confirm the diagnosis:

• Skin biopsy - The physician will remove a small portion of skin tissue, then send the sample to a lab for analysis. There are various types of skin biopsies, including punch biopsies (where the skin is removed using a circular tool) and excisional biopsies (where the skin is removed with a small knife).
• Blood test - Cancer cells are sometimes found in the blood, especially in cases involving Sezary syndrome (one of the two main subtypes of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma).
• Imaging test - Computed tomography (CT) scans, positron emission tomography (PET) scans and other imaging tests can be used to determine whether cancer has spread to another area of the body.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma diagnosis at Moffitt

If you’re experiencing the symptoms of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and are concerned that you have this malignancy, you can turn to Moffitt Cancer Center for diagnosis and treatment. The team of specialists in our Malignant Hematology Program and Cutaneous Oncology Program have extensive experience treating this malignancy and take a comprehensive, individualized approach to treatment.

Contact Moffitt Cancer Center to request a consultation. You can reach us by calling 1-888-663-3488 or completing our new patient registration form online.