Fast Facts

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (PCALCL) is a subtype of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), and is a non-Hodgkin lymphoma (cancer of the white blood cells) that arises in the skin. [...] It is important to know that there are two types of ALCL: • Systemic (or nodal) ALCL, which can affect the skin and/or lymph nodes and other internal organs; and, • Primary cutaneous ALCL, which affects the skin primarily. [...] The characteristic features of PCALCL are single or multiple raised red skin lesions, nodules or tumors. Any area of the skin can be affected, and lesions may be present for a long time before being diagnosed. [...] Most of the time, PCALCL remains only in the skin, but 10 percent of people with PCALCL develop involvement of local lymph nodes. Extensive lymph node involvement or internal organ (visceral) disease is rare. [...] How is Primary Cutaneous Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Diagnosed? [...] The staging of PCALCL is based on a TNM system: T: T1 Only a single spot or area of the skin is involved. [...] Reference: What is the Prognosis for Primary Cutaneous Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma? [...] Factors that might worsen prognosis are the presence of multiple lesions in a limb (like the leg), or general- ize (T3) skin involvement. [...] While primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma, like other non-Hodgkin lymphomas, is considered a chronic disease, the cancer can be cured in people with localized single lesions. How Primary Cutaneous Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma is Treated There are many options for treating PCALCL available, but lo- calized treatment with either radiation therapy or surgical exci- sion are the pre [...] Radiation therapy is most commonly used, and has a response rate of 100 percent.