Cutaneous Lymphoma

The University of Chicago Medicine Cutaneous Lymphoma Center provides comprehensive, personalized care for patients with cutaneous lymphoma, a type of blood cancer that affects the skin.

Regional, national and international physicians feel confident referring their patients to our center because we offer the most advanced treatments and state-of-the-art diagnostic technologies.

In addition, our physicians actively participate in research aimed at uncovering new approaches for improving our patients’ quality of life.

A Team of Experts

Due to its complexity, cutaneous lymphoma often involves care from a diverse team of specialists, including:

Dermatologists
Oncologists
Radiation oncologists
Transplant oncologists
Pathologists: dermatopathologists, hematopathologists and molecular pathologists

We understand that diagnosing cutaneous lymphoma can be a confusing and often frustrating process for patients. Our center’s dedication to integrated care means our physicians work together to identify your condition and develop an individual, efficient treatment plan for you. Our vast experience allows us to collaboratively guide our patients through their journey.

Research & Technology

Our center is committed to offering patients better treatment options. Scientific research and investigation increases our understanding of how to diagnose, treat and prevent lymphoma.

Our pathologists use state-of-the-art laboratory testing to understand the cellular makeup of an individual's cancer cells. Our physicians use this knowledge to help pinpoint the most appropriate treatment for a patient's lymphoma.

This biological information is also being used as part of research into new treatments. Our Cutaneous Lymphoma Center actively participates in ongoing research at the University of Chicago’s Hoogland Lymphoma Biobank. This innovative program studies donated bio specimens, including blood and urine, in an effort to understand how genes, lifestyle and environment affect lymphoma.

Our goal is to better understand how malignant lymphoma spreads and how it can be controlled.

Clinical Trials

As a leader in new cutaneous lymphoma therapies, our center participates in relevant clinical trials. Conducted under rigorous guidelines, these trials help us determine the benefits and risks of new and existing therapies. They also offer our patients innovative treatments that are not widely available.

If you are interested in participating in a clinical trial, talk with your physician about whether you’d be a good fit for the available trials.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cutaneous Lymphoma

What is cutaneous lymphoma?

What types of cutaneous lymphoma does UChicago Medicine's Cutaneous Lymphoma Center treat?

The majority of patients we see have one of these types of T-cell cutaneous lymphoma:

Mycosis fungoides, which is the most common type of cutaneous lymphoma
Sezary syndrome, which is a more advanced variant of mycosis fungoides

However, our center evaluates and manages care for other cutaneous T- and B-cell lymphomas, including:

Lymphomatoid papulosis
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma
Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma
Gamma-delta lymphoma
CD8+ aggressive epidermotropic T-cell lymphoma
NK/T-cell lymphoma

Do all dermatologists treat cutaneous lymphoma?

How is cutaneous lymphoma diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a review of the patient’s medical history, physical examinations, blood tests and skin biopsies. At your initial consultation, you will meet with various specialists, such as a dermatologist, oncologist and/or pathologist, who work together to determine the next steps in your treatment. If a skin biopsy is necessary, your physicians will walk you through what to expect and how to prepare.

What treatment options does UChicago Medicine offer for cutaneous lymphoma

What information do I need to provide prior to my initial consultation?

Before your appointment at UChicago Medicine, our team will fully review your past medical information to determine which specialists you will need to meet with during your first visit. Typically you will meet with more than one specialist and could have multiple appointments on the first day.

In an effort to efficiently coordinate your appointments, we will need the following information prior to your visit:

Previous medical notes from your current physician(s), including dermatologist, oncologist and radiation oncologist
Previous biopsy reports as well as glass slides, which will be reviewed by a UChicago Medicine dermatopathologist and hematopathologist
Previous blood work
Previous imaging studies, such as CT or PET scans

What happens during my initial consultation?

Why do I have appointments with different specialists in one day?

Each specialist at our center is an expert in a certain area of medicine. By working together, our patients benefit from all of our expertise. Although it’s not easy to have multiple appointments in one day, it allows our physicians to efficiently develop the best treatment plan for you. Also, many of our patients do not live near our medical center. Meeting with multiple specialists saves you from needing to make several visits.

How can I prepare for my initial consultation?

We understand that your first visit can feel intimidating. The best way to prepare for your consultation is to be informed. As you review our content, please bring a list of any questions you have to your first visit. Our physicians are happy to discuss your questions or concerns at any point in your care.

You play an important role on your care team. To make sure you receive the best care:

Know which medications you take and bring a list with you to appointments
Become familiar with your medical history and your family’s medical history
Be honest about any concerns you have. We know this can be a tough journey and want to support you. Let us know how we can help.

How can I participate in clinical trials?

older woman touching face, clinician standing nearby

Cancer Care Second Opinions

Request a second opinion from UChicago Medicine experts in skin cancer care.

Get a Second Opinion

Dermatologist Ashley Feneran, DO, with patient in South Loop

Related Services

Learn about related services for patients with cutaneous lymphoma.

Duchossois Center for Advanced Medicine view from parking garage

How Can We Help?

Useful Resources for Patients & Visitors

Request an Appointment for Cancer Care

We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, leading to delayed response times. For faster assistance, please call 1-855-702-8222 to schedule your appointment.

If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

For Referring Physicians

To refer a patient for cancer care, please call UCM Physician Connect at 1-800-824-2282.

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