Diagnosis guide
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL)
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas in which T cells, a kind of white blood cell, become cancerous and affect the skin. Mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome are the two most common types. A sign of mycosis fungoides is a red rash on the skin. In Sézary syndrome, cancer cells are also found in the blood, and the skin over much of the body is red and itchy. Early-stage mycosis fungoides is often treated on the skin, with light therapy, radiation or medicines put on the skin. More advanced disease, including Sézary syndrome, may need medicines that work throughout the body. A transplant is generally not recommended for early-stage disease. A donor stem cell transplant is considered for selected people with advanced or hard-to-treat disease.
In short
- Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is a group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas in which T cells, a kind of white blood cell, become cancerous and affect the skin.
- Mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome are the main types, and early mycosis fungoides is often treated on the skin with light therapy, radiation or skin medicines.
- A transplant is generally not recommended for early-stage disease; a donor stem cell transplant is considered for selected people with advanced or hard-to-treat disease.
Find the subtype on your report
The exact diagnosis shapes the treatment options. Your care team can explain the name on your report.
Mycosis fungoides
Mycosis fungoides is a T-cell lymphoma that usually begins in the skin. Early disease is often treated with skin-directed therapies; a donor stem cell transplant is an option for selected advanced or difficult-to-treat cases.
Limited transplant roleSézary syndrome
Sézary syndrome is a mature T-cell lymphoma involving the blood and usually causing widespread inflamed, itchy skin. Systemic treatment is central; a donor stem cell transplant can offer lasting remission for selected eligible patients.
Donor transplant option
Support for patients and families
These independent organizations offer information and support. JBF is not affiliated with them.
- Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation Nonprofit focused on skin lymphomas such as mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome, connecting patients and caregivers with education and support.United States
- Lymphoma Action UK charity for people affected by lymphoma, with a free helpline, support meetings and peer buddies; it covers cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.United Kingdom
- Lymphoma Research Foundation US nonprofit devoted to lymphoma; it explains cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and runs a helpline for patients and families.United States
Other patients are waiting for a match.
Most people with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) are treated without a registry donor. Many people with other blood cancers and blood disorders need a donor who is a stranger.
Join the registry
JBF points you to the official registry that serves your country. It explains who can join and what donation involves.
Help a family run a drive
If someone you love needs a donor, a registration drive can add many potential donors at once, for them and for others.
Support this work
Gifts to the Jada Bascom Foundation support donor-awareness education like this guide, community outreach, drive planning and referrals to official registries.
Sources and further reading
- Mycosis Fungoides (Including Sézary Syndrome) Treatment (PDQ), Patient Version
National Cancer Institute, 2025-02-12 - Indications for haematopoietic cell transplantation and CAR-T for haematological diseases, solid tumours and immune disorders: 2025 EBMT practice recommendations
EBMT / Bone Marrow Transplantation, 2025-09-09
