Inpatient Considerations in the Diagnosis and Management of the Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma Patient

Purpose of Review To review when to consider a diagnosis of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) in the inpatient setting and the diagnostic approach, as well as complications of disease and treatment that could lead to hospitalization. Recent Findings Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) are a diverse group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas that are difficult to diagnosis as the initial presentation can mimic other benign inflammatory or infectious conditions of the skin. While the clinical course is typically indolent, with most cases normally diagnosed and managed in the outpatient settings, some CTCL-associated clinical scenarios, including infections, treatment-related toxicity/side effects, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), or spread to extra-cutaneous organs, warrant management in the inpatient setting. Summary Early involvement of dermatology specialists is critical for recognizing and diagnosing CTCL in a timely matter, managing treatments and their toxicities, and for improving both morbidity and mortality in patients.