Understanding the Stages of Cutaneous Lymphoma
Staging is the process of determining whether cancer has spread and, if so, how far. It is important to know the stage of the disease in order to plan treatment.
Symptoms of cutaneous lymphoma depend on the stage of the cancer (how far it has spread). The following are the most common symptoms of cutaneous lymphoma:
- Stage 1: Dry, red, scaly patches or bumps on skin, but no tumors. Lymph nodes are normal.
- Stage 2: Dry, red, scaly patches or bumps on skin, but no tumors. Lymph nodes are enlarged but do not contain cancer cells.
OR
At least one tumor on skin. Lymph nodes are normal or larger than normal, but do not contain cancer cells
- Stage 3: Most of the skin is dry, red, scaly, or bumpy, and may have tumors. Lymph nodes are normal or larger than normal, but do not contain cancer cells.
- Stage 4: Skin is dry, red, scaly, or bumpy, and may have tumors. Cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and/or to other organs, such as the liver or spleen.
The symptoms of cutaneous lymphoma may resemble other dermatological conditions. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.