Cytogenetic Studies In Cutaneous Lymphomas

Tumorigenesis is a multistep process during which genetic alterations accumulate resulting in a more aggressive behavior of tumor cells. Chromosomal aberrations can be found even in the early lesions of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Most lymphomas display multiple structural and numerical chromosomal abnormalities, often involving translocations of genes regulating cell proliferation or programmed cell death (apoptosis). Various methods are now available to study chromosomal alterations (1). They include conventional karyotyping using mitogen-produced metaphases, multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis, and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH).