Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) represents a spectrum of diseases composed of malignant helper T lymphocytes. An accurate diagnosis of early CTCL is difficult because of the varied clinical and histologic expressions of the disease.
Methods:
The authors review the epidemiology, possible risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnostic techniques, staging, prognosis, and treatment options for CTCL.
Results:
The varied and often nonspecific clinical and histologic presentations of CTCL may delay diagnosis and staging, thus necessitating further studies such as immunophenotyping flow cytometry, and T-cell receptor gene rearrangement analysis.
Conclusions:
A multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of CTCL assists in optimizing outcomes from management of patients with this disease.
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