Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma

Overview

A healthcare provider will review your medical history and do a physical examination, focusing on any patches or plaques (thickened areas) on your skin. They’ll ask you about your symptoms and review your health history, including any prior or current health conditions.

Tests used to diagnose the condition

Your healthcare provider will need to run tests to confirm a cutaneous T-cell lymphoma diagnosis. These tests may include:

Blood tests.
Imaging tests like CT scans or PET scans.
Lymph node biopsy.
Skin biopsy.

Stages of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Healthcare providers use staging systems to categorize, diagnose and treat cancers. The TNM classification system is the most common for staging CTCLs. This system describes:

The primary tumor, or where the cancer started (T).
Whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes (N).
Whether the cancer has spread (metastasized) to distant areas of your body (M).

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

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