Cutaneous lymphoma

A group of cancer illnesses whereby the white blood cells multiply uncontrolled in the skin is known as cutaneous lymphoma. Appearance and prognosis varies widely with these illnesses.

A frequently benign progress can be expected with the mycosis fungoides. Mycosis fungoides belongs to the T-cell-lymphoma. This illness becomes visible with large-scale dark red, slightly scaly spots. Often with strong itchiness and often confusion with other skin diseases. During the progress red knots can develop.

B-cell-lymphoma often shows up with singular or multiple red knots, close together on the trunk, or on the arms that can sometimes open up and bleed.

Merkel cell carcinoma

Merkel cell carcinoma develop from the Merkel cells of the skin, they are specialised cells of the nervous system. Only recently has a virus (Polyomavirus) been discovered that exists in 80% of the Merkel cell carcinoma and is probably responsible for the development of the tumour. Merkel cell carcinoma develops typically quickly and without pain, frequently with older people. It shows as bluish-red globular knot with shiny surface and soft consistency.

Dermatofibrosarkoma protuberans

Dermatofibrosarkoma protuberans (DFSP) belongs to the malign growths of the connective tissue. It is relatively common and develops primarily in the second half of a lifetime. The growth is slow. Clinically it shows an irregular reddish to skin coloured knot under taught skin, often with tactile extensions. The therapy of choice is surgery with follow-up analysis of the peripheral fine cell tissue (3D-histology) to prevent recidives.