Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma
A rare blood cancer that affects the skin
What is it?
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a rare type of blood cancer that can affect your skin, including your scalp. CTCL happens when immune cells, called T-lymphocytes, develop abnormalities that cause them to attack the skin. Some types of CTCL are more aggressive than others.
What does it look like on the scalp?
CTCL can appear as round patches of skin that may be slightly raised, scaly, and appear lighter in color and may itch. It can also appear as lumps on the skin that can break open. CTCL often affects several areas of the skin on the body besides the scalp.
Most importantly, CTCL can look different from person to person, so it is important to see a dermatologist for a professional opinion.
*Image Source Attribution: All images were sourced from DermNet. Link: https://dermnetnz.org/
How dangerous is it?
CTCL typically grows slowly and is not life-threatening. On rare occasion, people with CTCL can develop more serious and deadly forms of the conditions. Although CTCL can be treated, it cannot be cured.
