Controversies in the management of the cutaneous T cell lymphomas.

The primary cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCL) encompass all malignancies of the T cell where the skin is the primary organ of involvement. The diagnosis of a CTCL variant can be detoured by a number of obstacles including the slow evolution of the disease into a classic clinical and pathologic pattern. A realistic goal of early stage treatment is to reduce the likelihood of progression to a more advanced stage, not to achieve a cure. No studies have adequately compared the different systemic agents in patients with advanced CTCL so the clinician is left to act in the best interest of the patient with what evidence is available. When using the systemic agents, a "start low and go slow" strategy may offer patients several advantages. Dermatologists are uniquely trained to diagnose and to manage all but the most advanced stage patients with CTCL.