Learning The Basics
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Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL):
PTCL is a group of lymphomas
defined by the types of mature-stage white blood cells (T-cells or natural
killer (NK) cells) within the lymphatic system from which they arise. The
term “peripheral” refers to the fact that PTCL arises in the lymphoid tissues
outside of the bone marrow such as lymph nodes, spleen, gastrointestinal
tract and skin. When skin is involved, PTCL can share many features of
cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL).
PET (positron emission tomography) scan:
A type of test that may be
used instead of gallium scans to identify areas in the body that are affected
by lymphoma. This test evaluates metabolic activity in different parts of the
body using a radioisotope.
Photopheresis:
An immunotherapy. It is a three to five hour procedure
in which a portion of a patient’s blood is taken out through the vein and
the white blood cells are treated with PUVA (psoralen medication +
UVA light) phototherapy, after which they are then re-infused into the
vein.
Phototherapy:
A form of skin-directed therapy that uses various forms of
ultraviolet light and is often effective in clearing cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
in its earliest stages, when the disease is confined to the skin (Stage
I-A, I-B, II-A, II-B). Forms of phototherapy include PUVA (psoralen
medication + UVA light), broadband UVB, and narrowband UVB.
Plasma cell:
A mature B-cell that makes antibodies – these antibodies help
the body destroy or remove toxins, bacteria and some cancer cells.
Primary cutaneous B-Cell lymphoma:
Lymphomas that grow outside
the nodal system, also called extranodal lymphomas, which are tumors that
occur in organs or tissues outside the lymphatic system. When extranodal
lymphomas originate in the skin and there is no evidence of systemic or
extracutaneous disease, they are called primary cutaneous lymphomas and
primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas (CBCLs) when B-cells are involved.
Primary therapy:
The first therapy given after a diagnosis of cancer.
Glossary
