ABSTRACT
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is an uncommon and complex malignancy of the immune system with a wide range of clinical presentations primarily involving the skin. An extensive menu of skin-directed and/or systemic treatment options exists. Best practices in management involve multidisciplinary collaboration. Nursing care for patients who have CTCL is a critical component in the successful management of the disease and requires special attention to the patient's physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Nurses can make a significant impact by being accessible, offering emotional support, demonstrating advocacy, and providing ongoing education for the patient and family.
Subject(s)
Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous/nursing , Skin Neoplasms/nursing , Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use , Humans , Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous/pathology , Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous/psychology , Lymphoma, T-Cell, Cutaneous/therapy , Mycosis Fungoides/nursing , Mycosis Fungoides/pathology , Mycosis Fungoides/psychology , Mycosis Fungoides/therapy , Patient Education as Topic , Phototherapy/methods , Sezary Syndrome/nursing , Sezary Syndrome/pathology , Sezary Syndrome/psychology , Sezary Syndrome/therapy , Skin Neoplasms/pathology , Skin Neoplasms/psychology , Skin Neoplasms/therapy , Social Support , Whole-Body IrradiationABSTRACT
Sézary syndrome is the leukemic form of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. It is an aggressive disease, with the lowest reported median survival of all cutaneous lymphomas. Patients with Sézary syndrome live with the awareness that they are suffering from an incurable disease. Having to cope daily with extensive skin care regimens, these patients can benefit tremendously from the expertise of dermatology nurses, who can teach them skin selfcare and who are aware of the psychologic impact of this disease. The symptoms, treatments, and emotional distress related to Sézary syndrome are summarized.
