Report of the committee on staging and classification of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas

Several staging classifications have been proposed for the cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL). However, comparisons between these schemes are difficult because differing features have been used to segregate groups. There is a critical need for a uniform staging system in CTCL. In addition to uniform classification definitions, certain minimum staging procedures should be performed in patients with CTCL. Such procedures would assist in the classification as well as in the determination of the extent of disease before and after therapy. This report will recommend procedures to be performed in all patients to provide such information.