Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

OBJECTIVE

To review recent information on the epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentation, staging, treatment approaches, and nursing management of CTCL.

DATA SOURCES: Research and review articles and textbooks.

CONCLUSION

Identifying the etiology and finding a cure for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is promising as our knowledge and understanding of the T-cell biology evolves, creating more options for innovative therapies or treatment modalities.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: It is essential for the oncology nurse to understand the disease process, treatment modalities, and side effect profiles to provide astute nursing assessment, establishment of treatment goals, management of cutaneous symptoms, treatment of side effects, and pain control while preventing infection and providing psychological/social support throughout the course of the disease.