[Cutaneous lymphomas : Clinical presentation - diagnosis - treatment]

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology
• Hematology

Background:

• Cutaneous lymphomas are a heterogeneous group of cancers affecting the skin.
• Mycosis fungoides is the most common type, presenting with various skin lesions.
• Treatment strategies differ significantly based on the lymphoma subtype and stage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of the distinct biological behaviors and clinical presentations of cutaneous lymphoma subgroups.
• To outline the current therapeutic options for different stages of cutaneous lymphomas and Sézary syndrome.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on cutaneous lymphoma classification, behavior, and treatment.
• Categorization of lymphomas based on T-cell or B-cell origin and clinical course (indolent vs. aggressive).

Main Results:

• Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas range from indolent (rare CD4+, acral CD8+) to aggressive (peripheral T-cell lymphomas).
• Cutaneous B-cell lymphomas include indolent types (marginal zone, follicle center cell) and aggressive forms (large B-cell lymphoma).
• Advanced stages and Sézary syndrome necessitate systemic therapies such as bexarotene, interferon, or brentuximab vedotin.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the specific subtype and stage is crucial for effective management of cutaneous lymphomas.
• Therapeutic approaches must be tailored to the distinct prognostic implications of each cutaneous lymphoma category.