In cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, special rays of tiny particles called electrons are commonly used to treat all of the skin. This is called total skin electron beam radiation therapy, or TSEB radiation therapy. Electron beam radiation may also be given to smaller areas of the skin. This kind of radiation only goes into the outer layers of the skin. Another type of radiation uses x-rays to kill cancer cells.
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
Chemotherapy may be taken by pill, or it may be put into the body by a needle in a vein or muscle. Chemotherapy given in this way is called a systemic treatment because the drug enters the bloodstream, travels through the body, and can kill cancer cells throughout the body. In cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, chemotherapy drugs may be given in a cream or lotion put on the skin. This is called topical chemotherapy. Phototherapy uses light to kill cancer cells.