What is cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL)?

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects the skin. CTCL can develop when T-cells become abnormal (cancerous). T-cells are white blood cells that normally help fight infection. They are sometimes called T-lymphocytes.

CTCL more commonly affects people aged 60 and over and is more common in men than women. There are different types of CTCL. The most common are called mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome.

Mycosis fungoides

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common type of CTCL. It is usually a very slow-growing type of lymphoma. It often only affects the skin.

For most people, MF develops slowly or stays under control for many years. In a small number of people, MF may spread to other parts of the body over time.

Sézary syndrome

In this type of CTCL, the abnormal T-cells circulate in the blood. They also affect the skin and can be found in other areas of the body, such as lymph nodes. Sezary syndrome is usually faster growing than MF.

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For healthcare professionals

If you are a healthcare professional, use our guide to find the right information and support for your patients affected by lymphoma. This explains the support available from Macmillan and from other trusted organisations.

Read more

Symptoms of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL)

In the early stages, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) can look like other more common skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis. This may mean it takes some time to diagnose.

CTCL may cause skin changes, including:

  • flat red, rash-like patches
  • itchy, sometimes painful areas
  • raised patches (plaques)
  • lumps.

Some people with CTCL have lumps where a lymph node is swollen.

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Causes of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL)

The causes of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) are not known.

Like other cancers, CTCL is not infectious. It cannot be passed on to other people.

We have more information about risk factors for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Diagnosis of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL)

The most common test for diagnosing cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a biopsy. A doctor will take a sample of tissue from an affected area of skin.

You can read more about further tests you may have in our information about non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Waiting for test results can be a difficult time. You may find it helpful to talk to your family, friends or specialist nurse.

Stages of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL)

The stage of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) describes how much of the skin is affected, and if it has spread anywhere else. Knowing the stage helps your doctor plan the right treatment for you.

Symptoms of CTCL can sometimes stay the same for many years. Many people never progress beyond the first stage. A few people do not have any symptoms until they notice raised lumps (tumours) on their skin. The different stages of CTCL are:

  • Stage 1

    There are red or raised red patches (plaques) on the skin. This stage is sometimes divided into:

    • Stage 1A – less than 10% of the skin is affected.
    • Stage 1B – 10% or more of the skin is affected.
  • Stage 2A

    Skin symptoms are the same as in stage 1. Some lymph nodes are enlarged. There may be signs of abnormal lymphocytes in the lymph nodes.

  • Stage 2B

    There may be one or more tumours on the skin that are greater than 1cm in size. The lymph nodes may or may not be affected.

  • Stage 3

    More than 80% of the skin is red (erythroderma). The lymph nodes may or may not be affected.

  • Stage 4A

    There may be any of the skin symptoms described in the previous stages. Abnormal lymphocytes have spread to the lymph nodes or the blood.

  • Stage 4B

    There may be any of the skin symptoms described in the previous stages. Abnormal lymphocytes have spread to the lymph nodes or the blood. The lymphoma has spread to other organs in the body, such as the liver, lungs or bone marrow.

Treatment for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL)

Doctors usually use treatments to treat the skin directly when cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is at an early stage. These include creams, light therapy and radiotherapy.

Sometimes treatments that work throughout the body are used. These treatments may be given as tablets, or as an injection into a vein or under the skin. They are then carried in the blood to all areas of the body. 

We have more detailed information about how these treatments are used for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

After cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) treatment

People often have many different feelings when they finish lymphoma treatment. You may feel relieved that treatment has finished, but worried about what will happen in the future. 

You will have appointments with your lymphoma doctor or nurse less often than before. But at the same time, you may have new challenges to cope with and things to think about. 

We have information below about some of the things people ask about after lymphoma treatment. But you may have other questions or need information about something else. If there is something you want to talk about at any point after treatment, you can:

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Lymphoma follow-up

You will have regular follow-up appointments after your treatment. You can talk to your doctor or nurse about any concerns you have at these appointments. Your doctor will want to know how you are feeling, and to check you are recovering from any side effects of treatment.

Side effects of lymphoma treatment

You may have some ongoing side effects as you recover from lymphoma treatment. You can use our impacts of cancer A-Z to search for information about managing different symptoms and side effects. Or find out more about side effects of treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma or treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

  • Tiredness and fatigue

    Tiredness (fatigue) often affects people with cancer. It can be caused by lymphoma or be a side effect of lymphoma treatment. RESTORE is an online resource that aims to help people living with cancer related fatigue.

  • Sexual well-being

    Lymphoma and its treatment can sometimes affect your sex life. There are ways to improve your sexual well-being and to manage any problems.

  • Fertility

    Treatment for lymphoma may affect your fertility. If you are worried about your fertility it is important to talk with your doctor before you start treatment. We have more information about:

Sometimes side effects may continue or develop months or years after treatment. These are called late effects. We have more information about long-term and late effects of treatment for lymphoma.

Well-being and recovery

It can take time to recover after lymphoma treatment. Some days you may feel better than others. 

It is important to know where to get support or information if you need it. People often need support even some time after lymphoma treatment. But sometimes it is difficult to know who to ask for help. To find support:

  • ask your GP or someone from your cancer team for advice about support in your area
  • search cancercaremap.org to find cancer support services near you
  • call us free on 0808 808 0000 or talk to us online - our cancer information and support specialists can offer guidance and help you find what you need. 

Our course Help to Overcome Problems Effectively (HOPE) helps people during and after cancer treatment. It is a free, interactive, group based, self management support course. It runs for 6 weeks, with each weekly session lasting 2.5 hours. To find out more about HOPE courses in your area, email ServiceOpsSupport@macmillan.org.uk

A healthy lifestyle can help speed up your recovery. Even small lifestyle changes may improve your well-being and long-term health.

Booklets and resources

Access our lymphoma information in other formats

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We also provide information in a range of languages and formats. If you cannot find the information you are looking for in the format or language you need, email us at cancerinformationteam@macmillan.org.uk

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It is quick, easy and free to order our booklet Understanding non-Hodgkin lymphoma on be.Macmillan.org.uk

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Find our non-Hodgkin lymphoma booklet ebook and pdf

If you prefer a pdf, ePub or Mobi version, our Understanding non-Hodgkin lymphoma booklet is available in these formats.

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Listen to our lymphoma audiobook

You can listen to our Understanding non-Hodgkin lymphoma audiobook. You can also search our full range of audiobooks.

Booklets and resources

Find non-Hodgkin lymphoma information in your language

We have a range of translated cancer information. This includes information about different cancer types, being diagnosed, cancer treatment, and side effects. We have some lymphoma information in the following languages. You can also search our most up to date list of web pages we have translated on request.

If you would like any of our lymphoma information translated into your language, please email cancerinformationteam@macmillan.org.uk

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You can watch our BSL videos about cancer on YouTube.

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Our easy read booklets use simple words and pictures to tell you about cancer. They can be useful if you want information that is easier to understand. 

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About our information


  • Reviewers

    This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been reviewed by expert medical and health professionals and people living with cancer. It has been approved by Senior Medical Editor, Dr Anne Parker, Consultant Haematologist.

    Our cancer information has been awarded the PIF TICK. Created by the Patient Information Forum, this quality mark shows we meet PIF’s 10 criteria for trustworthy health information.

Date reviewed

Reviewed: 01 March 2021
|
Next review: 01 March 2024

This content is currently being reviewed. New information will be coming soon.

Trusted Information Creator - Patient Information Forum
Trusted Information Creator - Patient Information Forum

Our cancer information meets the PIF TICK quality mark.

This means it is easy to use, up-to-date and based on the latest evidence. Learn more about how we produce our information.