What is Primary Cutaneous Peripheral T cell Lymphoma?
Primary cutaneous peripheral T-cell lymphoma is a rare, progressive type of leukocytic skin cancer that results from uncontrolled proliferation or division of T-lymphocytes that invade the skin. T cells or T lymphocytes are part of the body’s immune system and a type of white blood cell that helps fight various pathogens (pathogens or agents). It usually develops on the skin or lymph nodes of the head and neck region.Disease Causes
There is no well-known cause, however, certain hereditary and genetic mutations are considered responsible for the development of primary cutaneous peripheral T cell lymphoma.Signs and Symptoms
The patient may suffer from the following signs and symptoms. These are- Development of rapidly or progressively increasing mass or lump on anywhere on the skin
- Or the development of raised, thick scale type patches on the skin
- Rash and itch at the site of skin lesion
- Spontaneous bleeding from the lump or mass with or without any pain symptoms
- Enlargement or swelling of the lymph nodes of the body
- Fever
- Excessive sweating at night
- Unintentional weight loss
Diagnosis
The following diagnostic techniques and procedures can be used to make a diagnosis these are- Diagnostic imaging techniques such as USG, CT-scan, MRI, and PET scan can be used to detect the site, size, and extent of the tumour.
- Complete blood count with peripheral smear
- Tumour biopsy
- Histopathological examination
- Cytogenetics
Treatment
Treatment options depend on the tumour location, size, degree, stage, and general health condition of the patient. There are two main treatment options for primary cutaneous peripheral T-cell lymphoma: localized treatment of a tumour (skin lesion-directed treatment), or treatment with general systemic therapies.Localized Treatment Options
Localized treatment options are selected when the tumour is not widespread and only involves a small portion of the skin.- Removal of the tumour through a laser beam
- Application of steroidal and retinoid-based medicines on the skin tumour
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy directly on the skin lesion
Systemic Treatment Options are
The systemic treatment options are adopted when the tumour is widespread and involves the lymph nodes of the body along with the skin.- Prescription of oral or intravenous chemotherapy drugs
- Prescription of oral retinoid
- Radiation therapy
- immunotherapy