Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: overview and nursing perspectives.

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.

Gelling Your Dermatology Nursing Practice: A Practical Guide for Managing the Treatment of Mycosis Fungoides Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma With Mechlorethamine Gel.

Mycosis fungoides is the most common form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Stage IA and IB mycosis fungoides cutaneous T-cell lymphoma can be effectively controlled by skin-directed therapies such as the mechlorethamine gel approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Dermatology nurses play a key role in promoting good patient compliance through patient education about mycosis fungoides cutaneous T-cell lymphoma disease, proper administration of mechlorethamine gel, and connecting patients with patient assistance programs or other supportive services. This article provides the dermatology nurse with a background about early-stage mycosis fungoides cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, skin-directed treatment options, questions that a patient may ask about mycosis fungoides cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and mechlorethamine gel, and patient education tools such as questions dermatology nurses may ask of their patients and a patient handout outlining mechlorethamine gel administration.