Lurie Cancer Center - Pathfinders
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Cancer Information > Pathfinders > Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL)

According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, or CTCL, is a cancer of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Lymphocytes help the body fight infection. Mycosis fungoides is an early form of CTCL, marked by skin tumors that look like mushrooms. Often CTCL does not progress beyond this stage. Sometimes, however, the tumors spread over most of the body, and malignant T-cells are found in the blood. This advanced stage of CTCL is called Sézary syndrome.

Internet Resources
  • Cancer.gov: Mycosis Fungoides - Provides access to authoritative documents from the National Cancer Institute, including information about treatment, supportive care and clinical trials.
  • MedlinePlus: Lymphoma - Developed by the National Library of Medicine specifically for consumers, this site is a portal for both government-sponsored and privately developed health information for the lay public. Look for links to familiar places like the National Institutes of Health.

Books
  • Clinical Oncology. 3077-3107. Abeloff MD. 2004.
  • Cancer Principles & Practice. Devita LV, M.D. 2005.
  • Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma: Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer. Longe J, ed. 2006. Available in print at the Health Learning Center or electronically at nmh.org/nmh/hlc/main.htm.

Journal Articles
  • "Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma." Seminars in Oncology Nursing. 22(2):90-6. Gemmill R. May 2006.
  • "Standard and Experimental Therapy in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas." Journal of Cutaneous Pathology. 33 Suppl 1:52-7. Dummer R., et al. February 2006.
  • "What's New in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas: 2006." Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine & Surgery. 25(2):87-90. Guitart J. June 2006.

Support
Northwestern Memorial Hospital's Health Learning Center has joined forces with the American Cancer Society's Patient Navigator Program to provide assistance to patients and families dealing with cancer. To take advantage of this unique service, provided by a licensed clinical social worker, call (312) 926-4282.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. The society's mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

Lymphoma Research Foundation
The Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF) offers valuable information about the different types of lymphoma (Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma), diagnostic techniques and treatment options. The foundation also provides information about the latest research findings and offers assistance in searching for clinical trials. The Lymphoma Support Network can help patients connect with peers who are also living with lymphoma.

Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation
Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit advocacy organization dedicated to supporting every person with cutaneous lymphoma by promoting awareness and education, advancing patient care and facilitating research.

Contact Us
For more information, please contact the Health Learning Center at 312.926.5465, the Alberto Culver Women's Health Learning Center at 312.472.3640, or e-mail us at HLC@nmh.org.

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