How is lymphoma of the skin treated?

General treatment information

In recent years, much progress has been made in treating skin lymphoma, and several newer types of treatment have come into use.

Once a skin lymphoma is found and staged, your health care team will discuss your treatment options with you. The treatment options for a person with skin lymphoma depend on the kind of lymphoma and its stage, as well as other factors such as your overall health. Of course, no two patients are exactly alike, and treatment options are tailored to each patient’s situation.

Several types of treatment can be used against skin lymphoma. These can generally be divided into:

• Treatments directed only at the skin
• Treatments that can affect the whole body (systemic treatments)

Sometimes these 2 types of treatments are used together.

Based on your treatment options, you may have different types of doctors on your treatment team. These doctors may include:

• A dermatologist: a doctor who treats diseases of the skin
• A hematologist: a doctor who treats disorders of the blood, including lymphomas
• A medical oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with medicines
• A radiation oncologist: a doctor who treats cancer with radiation therapy

Many other specialists may be involved in your care as well, including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, nutrition specialists, social workers, and other health professionals.

It is important to discuss all of your treatment options and their possible side effects with your doctors to help make the decision that best fits your needs. It’s also very important to ask questions if there is anything you’re not sure about. You can find some good questions to ask in the section “What should I ask my doctor about lymphoma of the skin?”

If time permits, it is often a good idea to seek a second opinion. A second opinion can provide more information and help you feel confident about the chosen treatment plan.

The next sections describe the different types of treatment for skin lymphomas. This is followed by a discussion of the most common treatment options based on the specific type of lymphoma.