Cells seen in cutaneous T cell lymphoma are called
**Core Concept**
Cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects the skin, characterized by the proliferation of malignant T lymphocytes. The disease involves the infiltration of skin cells by malignant T cells, leading to various skin manifestations.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The cells seen in cutaneous T cell lymphoma are specifically known as Sezary cells or cerebriform lymphocytes. These cells are characterized by their distinctive cerebriform nucleus and are typically CD4-positive T cells. The presence of these cells in the skin is diagnostic of CTCL, particularly in the more aggressive forms such as Sézary syndrome. The cerebriform appearance of these cells is due to the convolution of the nuclear membrane, which gives them a distinctive "brain-like" appearance under microscopic examination.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** While lymphocytes are indeed present in CTCL, the term "Sezary cells" specifically refers to the cerebriform lymphocytes seen in this disease, making this option incorrect as it is too general.
**Option B:** Mycosis fungoides is a type of CTCL, but it is not the term used to describe the cells themselves, making this option incorrect.
**Option C:** While T cells are involved in the pathogenesis of CTCL, the term "Sezary cells" specifically refers to the cerebriform lymphocytes seen in this disease, making this option incorrect as it is too general.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Sézary cells are typically CD4-positive and express the skin-homing receptor CCR4, which is involved in their migration to the skin. This characteristic can be exploited in the diagnosis of CTCL using flow cytometry or immunohistochemistry.
**Correct Answer: D. Sezary cells**