Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the current state of the knowledge regarding the pathology, clinical presentation, treatment strategies, and nursing management of patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, specifically, mycosis fungoides and the Sezary syndrome.

DATA SOURCES: Book chapters, review articles, published research studies, proceedings from professional meetings.

CONCLUSIONS

Although mycosis fungoides and the Sezary syndrome are rare, epidemiologic studies suggest an increasing incidence. Advances in cellular biology and immunology result in continuously changing diagnostic and treatment strategies aimed at this illness.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Oncology nurses need an understanding of the current state of the knowledge of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma to meet the extensive needs of patients confronted with this chronic, progressively devastating malignancy.