A New WHO-EORTC Classification of Cutaneous Lymphomas

Overview

Primary cutaneous lymphomas have been classified according to the classification of European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) or World Health Organization (WHO). Even though both classifications represented a big progress in contrast to the former Revised European-American Lymphoma classification (REAL), they had some restrictions considering the dermatologists needs. That is why the representatives of both systems suggested a new classification of cutaneous lymphomas named WHO-EORTC. The paper gives a basic overview of the primary cutaneous lymphomas and two other neoplasms existing in the skin according to the new classification and discusses the differences between two previous classifications. Secondary skin symptoms associated with systemic lymphomas and acute leukaemias are not mentioned here.

Key words:
WHO-EORTC classification – primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas – primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas