Cutaneous Lymphoma

Cutaneous lymphoma is a rare type of cancer that is part of a group of cancers known as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This type of lymphoma generally affects the skin, causing a red, scaly, itchy rash along with possible growths and tumors. It can also spread to the lymph nodes. Early diagnosis of cutaneous lymphoma can be very challenging because it often mimics other skin conditions, such as psoriasis, contact dermatitis, and eczema. Early diagnosis is important to assure the most effective treatment of cutaneous lymphoma

Expert Diagnosis and Multidisciplinary Treatment of Cutaneous Lymphoma

ColumbiaDoctors dermatologists have outstanding expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of all forms of this type of lymphoma, including cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and cutaneous B-cell lymphoma. Our physicians provide the latest treatments, utilizing a multidisciplinary team of dermatologists, oncologists, radiation oncologists, and dermatopathologists, who collaborate to develop individualized management plans for each patient.

The selection of a treatment plan for cutaneous lymphoma will depend on a variety of factors, including your age and health status, the stage of the disease, and whether any prior treatments have been attempted. Combinations of treatments are often more effective.

Our goal is early, accurate diagnosis of cutaneous lymphoma and targeted treatments that will reduce the impact of this disease on your life.

Skin-Directed treatments

Patients with early-stage cutaneous lymphoma usually respond well to skin-directed treatments that include:

  • Phototherapy: Skin is exposed to ultraviolet light, sometimes in combination with a medicine applied to the skin or taken orally that enhances your skin’s sensitivity to the light.
  • Ointments and lotions: Treatments can be applied topically in the form of creams and lotions. Corticosteroids help control symptoms such as redness and itching. Chemotherapy and derivatives of vitamin A (retinoids) may also be recommended.

Photopheresis

Photopheresis is a safe, outpatient procedure that involves removing some of your blood, exposing it to light which damages the cancer cells, and then returning it into your body.

Chemotherapy

For more advanced cases of cutaneous lymphoma, oral or intravenous forms of chemotherapy may be recommended.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses X-rays to destroy lymphoma cells.

Stem Cell Transplantation

Advanced cases of cutaneous lymphoma may be successfully treated with a stem cell transplant. In this procedure the affected bone marrow is replaced with healthy bone marrow from a donor. The body’s bone marrow contains hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which produce cells that then circulate in the bloodstream and function as part of your body’s immune system.

Locations

Herbert Irving Pavilion, Garden Level
161 Fort Washington Avenue
New York, NY 10032

CUMC/Herbert Irving Pavilion
161 Fort Washington Avenue, 12th Floor
New York, NY 10032

ColumbiaDoctors Midtown
51 West 51st Street, Suite 390
New York, NY 10020

ColumbiaDoctors Third Avenue Office
880 Third Avenue, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10022