Cutaneous B-Cell Lymphoma – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Cutaneous B-cell lymphoma is an uncommon cancer that starts in B lymphocytes. These are a type of white blood cell that affects the skin. As a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, it is less common than its counterpart, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
This condition appears on the skin as lumps, groups of lumps, or hardened patches. The cancer specifically targets B cells, which normally help fight infections as part of the body’s immune system.
There are four main types of this cancer:
- Primary Cutaneous Follicle Center Lymphoma
- Primary Cutaneous Marginal Zone B-cell Lymphoma
- Primary Cutaneous Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma, Leg Type
- Intravascular Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma
Each type affects different parts of the skin and may have slightly different symptoms and treatments. The diagnosis usually involves examining skin samples under a microscope. It may also require additional testing to determine the specific type.
Signs and Symptoms
Cutaneous B-cell lymphoma typically shows up as persistent skin growths. These skin changes often develop slowly and may remain on the body for extended periods.
Common symptoms include:
- Single bump or clusters of bumps on the skin
- Pink, purple, or reddish-brown colored skin lumps
- Redness in the skin surrounding the growths
- Slow-growing skin bumps or lumps
These skin growths most commonly appear on the:
- Scalp
- Forehead
- Back
Different types of cutaneous B-cell lymphoma may affect specific body areas. For example, primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphomas often develop on the arms or trunk. Meanwhile, primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type typically affects one leg.
Intravascular diffuse large B-cell lymphoma presents differently with:
- Hard patches on the skin
- Reddish or purple skin around the patches
- Spider vein-like skin patterns
- Patches primarily on the trunk or thighs
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
Contact your doctor if you notice any unusual skin growths, persistent lumps, or patches that don’t heal. Any concerning skin changes that last for several weeks warrant medical attention, especially if they match the symptoms described above.
Causes
Cutaneous B-cell lymphoma begins when certain white blood cells in the skin undergo DNA changes. These cells, known as B lymphocytes, normally help fight germs in the body.
The exact reason these DNA changes occur remains unknown for most patients. When these changes happen, they disrupt the normal instructions that control cell growth and death.
Healthy cells follow strict rules about when to grow, divide, and die. However, the DNA changes in lymphoma cells give different commands:
- Abnormal Growth Rate: Cancer cells multiply much faster than normal.
- Extended Lifespan: Cancer cells continue living when they should naturally die.
- Accumulation in Skin: The excess cells build up primarily in the skin tissue.
This accumulation of abnormal B lymphocytes creates visible skin problems. Unlike some other cancers, cutaneous B-cell lymphoma typically stays in the skin and rarely spreads to other parts of the body.
DNA damage in these cells disrupts their normal function in the immune system, transforming them from defenders against disease into problematic cells that form skin lesions.
Risk Factors
Several factors may increase a person’s risk of developing cutaneous B-cell lymphoma:
Compromised Immune System
- People taking immunosuppressive medications (often after organ transplants)
- Individuals with certain health conditions like HIV infection
- When the immune system is weakened, it may be less effective at fighting abnormal cell growth
Tick-Borne Bacteria
- Borrelia bacteria, which is transmitted by ticks
- This is the same bacteria associated with Lyme disease
- Research has found links between Borrelia infection and the development of cutaneous B-cell lymphoma
Having these risk factors doesn’t mean someone will definitely develop this condition. Many people with these risk factors never develop cutaneous B-cell lymphoma, while others without known risk factors may develop the disease.
Currently, there are no known prevention methods for cutaneous B-cell lymphoma. Regular health check-ups and prompt attention to unusual skin changes are recommended, especially for those with identified risk factors.
