A Patient’s Guide to Understanding
Cutaneous Lymphoma
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the microscope, and most of the time is found in the lower legs, where
it can reach a very significant size. This version of the disease was first
recognized as a more aggressive type of CBCL that showed up on the
legs of elderly women. Today, experts recognize this type of lymphoma
by spotting the unique molecular features that differentiate it from slow-
growing versions of CBCL.
While PCLBCL-LT most often shows up on the legs, it can occur
anywhere on the skin; other, slower-growing types of CBCL can show up
on the legs so it is imperative not to make a rash diagnosis or an assumption
just based on where the disease is first noticed. A biopsy is always needed.
PCLBCL-LT often grows into large tumors that extend deep into the
fat of the body, growing quickly and becoming open sores. Unlike slow-
growing types of lymphoma, this one has a high likelihood of spreading
outside the skin.
To determine a diagnosis and classification of CBCL, it is important and
appropriate to biopsy the affected skin. Once a diagnosis has been made,
clinical staging establishes the course of the disease and informs treatment
decisions. The prognosis for most cases of CBCL is usually excellent.
Studies show a 96% survival rate at 5 years after diagnosis and a 90%
survival rate after 10 years.
Prognosis for the more aggressive PCLBCL-LT is much less optimistic
with no more than 50% of patients surviving at 5 years. However, while the
mortality rate of patients with PCLBCL-LT is much higher than other
forms of CBCL, it is important to remember that most diagnoses occur
when patients are in their 80s or 90s and survival rates at 5 years include
patients who have succumbed to other natural causes.
