A Patient’s Guide to Understanding
Cutaneous Lymphoma
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Make sure to work closely with your healthcare team to determine the best
course of treatment. When outbreaks do occur, realize that you may find
lesions or plaques or other presentations that appear in places that others
can see. Patients who were formerly confident about their appearances may
become self-conscious when they find skin lesions on noticeable areas like
the face, neck or leg.
Any chronic disease changes your life significantly, and cutaneous
lymphoma is no different. You may face physical, logistical, and emotional
hurdles because of your disease. Talking with trusted friends and family,
your healthcare team, and others close to you can ease the challenges and
make it easier for you to ride the waves of your disease.
Physically, you may experience discomfort or pain at times – from the
illness itself or from treatment methods. Here are some common physical
problems patients experience:
• Severe itching – you may lose sleep because of it.
• Skin may feel hot and sore – which can be a sign of infection.
• Skin may flake or burn.
• Skin tumors may become inflamed.
• Sleeping can be difficult because of itching or discomfort.
• You may have trouble finding comfortable clothes.
• Following your normal routine may take extra time because of
additional skin care steps.
• You may have trouble using your hands because of scaling and
cracking.
• You may not want to work or exercise because of fatigue or the
condition of your skin.
In every situation, talk with your healthcare providers about how to
manage or ease symptoms. There are ways to control symptoms and side
effects and treat infections. Ask your doctor about medications that can
help calm these discomforts.
In addition to treating symptoms and discomfort, distract yourself with
music or an energizing walk outdoors. Keep a diary to record your feelings
and symptoms. Share this information with your support team. Some
people find that the cancer itself does not make them sick but medications
