Lymphoma skin cancer: what to know

Skin lymphoma is part of the lymphoma family and may begin in the skin or involve the skin after starting elsewhere. It can appear as persistent patches, plaques, nodules, redness, scaling, or itching. Other skin cancers begin in skin cells, and inflammatory conditions such as eczema or psoriasis can look similar. A visual check cannot reliably separate these causes. Doctors use the history and examination, sometimes blood tests or scans, and a skin biopsy to identify the cell type and decide whether the process is limited to skin.

Arrange a dermatology or medical review for a patch, plaque, or lump that persists, changes, bleeds, crusts, or fails to heal. Bring a list of skin products and medicines, and photographs showing how the area has changed. Avoid picking at it or using strong treatments without advice. Once the diagnosis is clear, care may include observation, skin-directed treatment, [Radiotherapy](/treatments/radiation-oncology/radiotherapy/), or systemic therapy. [Lymphoma](/conditions/lymphoma/) explains the wider disease, while a [PET-CT Scan](/treatments/diagnostics-and-staging/pet-ct-scan/) may be used when the team needs to assess areas beyond the skin.

Seek urgent care for facial swelling, breathing difficulty, rapidly spreading blistering, skin peeling, severe pain, or a high fever. Contact the treating team promptly for a bleeding or infected lesion, new widespread rash, rapidly enlarging lump, or new swollen lymph nodes. These features determine urgency; the appearance of a skin change alone cannot establish lymphoma.

Ask whether the finding is skin lymphoma, another skin cancer, or a non-cancer condition; what the biopsy shows; and whether the lymphoma started in the skin. Ask how much skin and body imaging is needed, which treatment is appropriate, how to manage itch or dryness, and what changes should prompt an earlier review.