Sezary Syndrome
What is Sezary syndrome?
Sezary syndrome is a form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. It affects the skin and is characterized by a red rash that covers the majority of the body. It gets its name from the cancerous T-cells, known as Sezary cells.
What are the symptoms of Sezary syndrome?
Symptoms of Sezary syndrome include:
- Red rash across the majority of the body
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Intense itchiness
- Scaling/peeling of the skin
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Hair loss
- Outward turning of the eyelids
- Palmoplantar keratoderma
- Malformation of the nails
- Hepatosplenomegaly
Those affected may also be at a heightened risk of another form of lymphoma or other cancer.
What causes Sezary syndrome?
The cause of this syndrome is unknown. It has been found that people with Sezary syndrome have sporadic chromosomal differences, such as deletions on chromosomes 10 and 17, but medical professionals are unsure if these differences are associated with the cancer.
How is Sezary syndrome diagnosed?
A physical exam and finding of characteristic symptoms are used to obtain a diagnosis, which can then be confirmed through a variety of tests. These tests include a skin biopsy, a complete blood count, a peripheral blood smear, immunophenotyping, a T-cell receptor gene rearrangement test, and a flow cytometry.
What are the treatments for Sezary syndrome?
There are six major treatments for this condition. These treatments are chemotherapy, radiation therapy, photodynamic therapy, biologics, targeted therapy, and other drug therapies.
Where can I find out more about Sezary syndrome?
Sezary Syndrome Articles
Experimental Treatment for Sézary Syndrome Earns Fast Track Designation
A Recap on 2018: Record Number of Drugs Approved by the FDA for Rare Diseases
