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Cutaneous B-cell lymphoma is a rare type of cancer that begins in the white blood cells. This cancer attacks the skin. Cutaneous B-cell lymphoma affects one type of germ-fighting white blood cells called B cells. These cells also are called B lymphocytes.
The types of cutaneous B-cell lymphoma include:
Cutaneous B-cell lymphoma symptoms include a lump or group of lumps on the skin. Sometimes this cancer causes hard patches of skin.
Cutaneous B-cell lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Another type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects the skin is called cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is more common than cutaneous B-cell lymphoma.
Cutaneous B-cell lymphoma usually appears as a lump or group of lumps on the skin that don't go away. Symptoms may include:
Cutaneous B-cell lymphomas most often grow on the scalp, forehead or back. Some types of this cancer prefer to grow in other places. Primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphomas tend to grow on the arms or trunk. Primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type usually grows on one leg.
Intravascular diffuse large B-cell lymphoma causes symptoms that are different from the other types. The symptoms may include:
Make an appointment with a doctor or other healthcare professional if you have ongoing symptoms that worry you.
The cause of cutaneous B-cell lymphoma often isn't known. This cancer causes a growth of cells in the skin. It starts in germ-fighting white blood cells called lymphocytes. Cutaneous B-cell lymphoma affects specific lymphocytes called B lymphocytes.
Cutaneous B-cell lymphoma happens when B lymphocytes develop changes in their DNA. A cell's DNA holds the instructions that tell the cell what to do. In healthy cells, the DNA gives instructions to grow and multiply at a set rate. The instructions tell the cells to die at a set time. In cancer cells, the DNA changes give different instructions. The changes tell the cancer cells to grow and multiply quickly. Cancer cells can keep living when healthy cells would die. This causes too many cells.
In cutaneous B-cell lymphoma, the cancer cells build up in the skin. The cancer cells rarely spread to other areas of the body.
Risk factors for cutaneous B-cell lymphoma include:
There is no way to prevent cutaneous B-cell lymphoma.
Tests and procedures used to diagnose cutaneous B-cell lymphoma include:
Cutaneous B-cell lymphoma treatment depends on the specific type of lymphoma that you have.
Treatment options may include:
Make an appointment with a doctor or other healthcare professionals if you have any symptoms that worry you. If your healthcare professional feels that you may have cutaneous B-cell lymphoma, that person may refer you to a specialist. Often this is a doctor who specializes in treating skin conditions, called a dermatologist.
Appointments can be short and being prepared can help. Here's some information that may help you get ready.
When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as fasting before having a specific test. Make a list of:
Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you're given.
For cutaneous B-cell lymphoma, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
Don't hesitate to ask other questions.
Your doctor is likely to ask you several questions, such as: