Can Lymphoma of the Skin Be Found Early?
This type of lymphoma first appears in the skin, so it is usually found earlier in the course of the disease than many other types of cancer.
Skin lymphomas often look like other, more common skin problems such as infections or eczema, so it’s sometimes hard even for experienced doctors to diagnose this disease right away.
See a doctor if you notice possible symptoms
The best approach is to see a doctor if you notice signs or symptoms that might be from a skin lymphoma (or another type of skin cancer).
This includes any new lesion (abnormal area) on the skin, especially if the lesion:
- Is raised
- Breaks open or bleeds
- Doesn’t go away
- Is growing
- Written by
- References
Developed by the American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team with medical review and contribution by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Querfeld C, Rosen ST, Duvic M. Chapter 104: Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and cutaneous B-cell lymphoma. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Doroshow JH, Kastan MB, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff’s Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa. Elsevier: 2020.
Last Revised: May 19, 2025
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