Scalp Involvement in Primary Cutaneous Lymphomas: An Update on Clinical Presentation, Diagnostics, and Management

May 2025 in “ Cancers ”

Karol Kołkowski, Martyna Sławińska, Beata Zagórska, Roman Nowicki, Jerzy Jankau, Małgorzata Sokołowska‐Wojdyło

primary cutaneous lymphomas scalp involvement B-cell PCLs T-cell PCLs primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma mycosis fungoides alopecia non-scarring focal alopecia scalp lymphomas B-cell lymphomas T-cell lymphomas follicle center lymphoma focal hair loss

TLDR Scalp involvement in primary cutaneous lymphomas is common and can be aggressive, requiring careful attention.

This study focuses on scalp involvement in primary cutaneous lymphomas (PCLs), analyzing clinical presentation, diagnostics, and management. A literature review identified 1,482 patients with scalp PCLs, with 1,096 cases of B-cell PCLs and 384 of T-cell PCLs. Primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma was the most common B-cell PCL, while mycosis fungoides was the most frequent T-cell PCL. Alopecia was present in 69% of patients, predominantly as non-scarring focal alopecia. The study highlights the importance of considering scalp involvement in PCLs due to the potential aggressiveness of some lymphomas affecting this area.

View this study on mdpi.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

16 / 16 results

research Treatment of Diseases Associated with Cicatricial Alopecia

January 2022 in “Przegla̧d dermatologiczny”

The document concludes that there are various treatments for diseases linked to scarring hair loss, especially for primary scarring alopecia.

research Pili Torti: A Feature of Numerous Congenital and Acquired Conditions

9 citations , August 2021 in “Journal of clinical medicine”

Pili torti is a rare condition where hair is twisted and breaks easily, often linked to genetic disorders or other health issues.

Characteristics Associated with Significantly Worse Quality of Life in Mycosis Fungoides/Sézary Syndrome from the Prospective Cutaneous Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (PROCLIPI) Study

research Characteristics Associated with Significantly Worse Quality of Life in Mycosis Fungoides/Sézary Syndrome from the Prospective Cutaneous Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (PROCLIPI) Study

67 citations , May 2019 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

People with mycosis fungoides/Sézary syndrome have a much lower quality of life.

research Rare Presentation of Disseminated Follicular Lymphoma as an Ill-Defined Reticular Patch Over the Scalp and Forehead

1 citations , April 2019 in “JAAD case reports”

A woman with lymphoma had a rare skin rash on her scalp and forehead, which was hard to diagnose but responded well to treatment.

Unusual Clinical Presentation of a Primary Cutaneous Follicle Center Lymphoma on the Scalp of a Middle-Aged Female: Case Report and Review of the Literature

research Unusual Clinical Presentation of a Primary Cutaneous Follicle Center Lymphoma on the Scalp of a Middle-Aged Female: Case Report and Review of the Literature

3 citations , January 2019 in “Skin appendage disorders”

A woman with a rare scalp lymphoma had unusual hair loss after treatment.

research How to Discern Folliculotropic Mycosis Fungoides From Follicular Mucinosis Using a Pediatric Case

15 citations , January 2018 in “Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery”

It's important to understand the differences between FMF and PFM in children.

research Alopecia and Associated Toxic Agents: A Systematic Review

26 citations , January 2018 in “Skin appendage disorders”

Thallium, mercury, selenium, and colchicine strongly cause hair loss.

research Hair Pull Test: Evidence-Based Update and Revision of Guidelines

36 citations , December 2016 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

The normal range for the hair pull test is 2 hairs or fewer, and washing or brushing hair before the test does not affect the results.

research CD8-Positive Mycosis Fungoides Clinically Masquerading as Alopecia Areata

8 citations , August 2016 in “Journal of Cutaneous Pathology”

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss causes in cutaneous lymphoma patients.

Atypical Clinical Presentation of Primary and Secondary Cutaneous Follicle Center Lymphoma on the Head Characterized by Macular Lesions

research Atypical Clinical Presentation of Primary and Secondary Cutaneous Follicle Center Lymphoma on the Head Characterized by Macular Lesions

18 citations , July 2016 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Some skin lymphomas can look like common skin issues and need careful testing to diagnose correctly.

research Alopecia Universalis Associated with Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma

15 citations , January 2014 in “Dermatology”

Some patients with a type of skin lymphoma can experience a rare, non-scarring hair loss that looks like another hair loss condition but has distinct features.

research How to Diagnose Hair Loss

27 citations , September 2012 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

The document concludes that using specific tools and tests is essential for identifying the cause of hair loss and deciding on the right treatment.

research Hodgkin's Lymphoma Presenting as Alopecia

14 citations , January 2012 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Hodgkin's lymphoma can show up as hair loss.

research Primary Cutaneous Follicle Centre Cell Lymphoma of the Scalp Presenting with Scarring Alopecia

13 citations , March 2011 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

A woman with scalp lymphoma and hair loss improved with radiotherapy, highlighting the need for biopsies in similar cases.

research The Spectrum of Hair Loss in Patients with Mycosis Fungoides and Sézary Syndrome

39 citations , October 2010 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Some patients with mycosis fungoides or Sézary syndrome experience hair loss, which may be similar to alopecia areata or linked to skin lesions, possibly due to abnormal T cells, and bexarotene can help treat it.

research Partial Regrowth of Scalp Hair in a Patient Treated with Extracorporeal Photochemotherapy and Interferon α2a

2 citations , November 1998 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

A patient with a severe type of hair loss experienced partial hair regrowth after treatment with a specific light therapy and a medication called interferon α2a.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 483 results

community Scientific evidence for Peppermint & Rosemary oils + My Experience

in Research/Science 114 upvotes 3 years ago

Natural treatments for hair loss, specifically peppermint oil and rosemary oil; how they can be used as a supplementary or alternative treatment to pharmaceuticals such as finasteride and minoxidil; and the personal experience of the user Divallo, who has seen an increase in density and thickness after using these oils for around 2.5 years. The post also touches on the potential antifungal properties of the oils and their effects on cutaneous blood flow.

community 18M Experiencing Hair Loss Since 15: Seeking Alternatives to Minoxidil

in General 290 upvotes 2 months ago

An 18-year-old experiencing balding since age 15 is seeking alternatives to minoxidil for hair regrowth, currently using rosemary oil and a 0.5mm derma roller. They are unsure about the proper use of these treatments.

community New and Interesting HairLoss Studies/Papers/Reviews

in Treatment 42 upvotes 6 years ago

Hair loss treatments discussed include Dutasteride with Ketoconazole, tissue engineering strategies, and androgenetic alopecia therapies. Massage doubles follicular retention, improving treatment effectiveness.

community A Different Take on Curing MBP

15 upvotes 7 years ago

Addressing hair loss by focusing on posture, blood flow, and craniofacial development. Methods include improving posture, cardiovascular activity, scalp massages, healthy diet, meditation, using minoxidil, and addressing craniofacial issues.

community Primary Care Provider told me to not be concerned and just take biotin.

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 2 upvotes 1 year ago

A 19-year-old was advised by their primary care provider to take biotin for hair loss instead of minoxidil or finasteride due to potential side effects and age concerns. The user is considering seeking a second opinion from a dermatologist.

community If DHT is the one big primary reason for Hairloss.. Then other reasons are hoax?

in Chat 8 upvotes 3 years ago

The conversation discusses various theories and suggestions for hair loss, with a focus on DHT as the primary cause. Treatments mentioned include Minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841.

Related Research

1 / 1 results

Quantitative Analysis of the Anatomical Changes in the Scalp and Hair Follicles in Androgenetic Alopecia Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

research Quantitative Analysis of the Anatomical Changes in the Scalp and Hair Follicles in Androgenetic Alopecia Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

2 citations , June 2020 in “Skin Research and Technology”

MRI reveals thinner scalps and smaller hair follicles in people with androgenetic alopecia.