At Ichilov, experienced specialists recognized as experts in the fields of oncological hematology and dermatological oncology work. When treating skin-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (SALT lymphoma) in Israel, a personalized plan is developed for each patient, tailored to the unique features of their condition. Doctors of various specialties (oncologists, hematologists, dermatologists, radiologists, and others) collaborate to determine the most effective treatment strategy.
Ichilov employs advanced technologies for diagnosis and treatment, including innovative equipment for radiation therapy and minimally invasive procedures. Patients have access to the latest treatment methods, often unavailable in other countries.
The Ichilov team provides not only medical assistance but also patient support at all stages of treatment. The hospital offers comfortable accommodations, psychological support groups, and language assistance for foreign patients.
About the Disease
The disease Skin-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (SALT lymphoma) refers to rare types of non-Hodgkin lymphomas that affect lymphoid tissue associated with the skin. Lymphoid tissue is part of the immune system, and its presence in the skin is a natural element of immune protection. In the case of SALT lymphoma, malignancy occurs, meaning the malignant transformation of these cells.
The causes of SALT lymphoma, like many malignant diseases, are not fully established. Possible risk factors include:
- chronic inflammatory skin diseases;
- infections, including those caused by viruses associated with lymphoma development (e.g., Epstein-Barr virus);
- genetic predisposition;
- exposure to certain chemicals and radiation.
Symptoms of SALT lymphoma can be nonspecific and vary depending on the stage and localization of the lesions. The most common and characteristic signs include:
- the presence of nodules or spots on the skin, which can vary in size and color, often painless;
- itching, non-healing skin lesions, firm nodules, or plaques;
- enlargement of lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy);
- in cases of systemic involvement, fatigue, weight loss, fever.
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Treatment Methods for the Disease
Treatment of SALT lymphoma may include several methods depending on the stage of the disease, the overall health of the patient, their age, and other factors.
Local Therapy
Local therapy for treating SALT lymphoma involves direct impact on the affected areas of the skin. The goals of such therapy are to control and reduce symptoms, prevent progression or spread of the tumor.
- Corticosteroid creams or ointments. Topical corticosteroids are applied directly to skin rashes or nodules, reducing inflammation and slowing the growth of cancer cells.
- Radiotherapy. Targeted radiation of affected areas of the skin with high-energy beams is used to treat individual nodules or areas where the disease manifests in a limited manner. At Ichilov, the latest TrueBeam and Lunac linear accelerators are used, providing maximum precision in targeting and dosing with minimal impact on healthy tissues.
- Photochemotherapy (PUVA therapy). In this method, the patient is first given a medication that makes the skin more sensitive to light. Then the skin surface is irradiated with ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation, killing surface cancer cells and suppressing the immune response that promotes tumor growth.
- Local photodynamic therapy. Unlike PUVA therapy, where the patient receives medications that increase skin sensitivity to light, photodynamic therapy uses photosensitizers. These are light-sensitive substances that can accumulate in cancer cells. When light of a specific wavelength is directed at them, the photosensitizer is activated. In the process, active oxygen is released, and pathological cells are destroyed.
- Local chemotherapy. The application of antitumor chemotherapeutic agents directly to the affected area of the skin in the form of cream or gel helps suppress the division of tumor cells.
- Immunomodulating creams. Medications applied topically to enhance the immune response are used both alone and in combination with systemic treatment to improve overall outcomes.
Systemic Therapy
Systemic therapy for SALT lymphoma affects cancer cells throughout the body and is usually applied in cases of more extensive or progressive disease.
- Biological therapy – a type of treatment that uses living organisms, their components, or their bioengineered derivatives to affect biological processes in the patient's body and fight the disease, enhancing the immune system's ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
- Targeted therapy – treatment aimed at specific molecular targets on cancer cells. Targeted agents may include small molecules that block signaling pathways that support the growth and survival of cancer cells.
- Retinoid therapy – an approach based on stimulating the differentiation or apoptosis of cancer cells to control tumor growth using synthetic derivatives of vitamin A.
- Systemic photodynamic therapy – the use of photosensitizing agents and light of a specific wavelength to destroy cancer cells.
- Radiotherapy
- Targeted chemotherapy
Methods of Diagnosing the Disease
The diagnosis of SALT lymphoma is based on a series of clinical and laboratory studies. Ichilov has extensive clinical experience in recognizing this rare and dangerous disease. Typically, it takes three working days to conduct the studies and interpret their results.
First Day
The doctor collects a comprehensive medical history and conducts a thorough examination of the skin to identify any changes, such as rashes, nodules, or plaques. Lymph nodes are also examined for enlargement.
Second Day
The following types of studies are used to clarify the diagnosis:
- Complete blood count and biochemical studies.
- Biopsy + immunohistochemical and histological analysis.
- Immunophenotyping.
- Molecular genetic testing to identify specific genetic anomalies characteristic of various types of lymphomas.
- Imaging studies. CT, MRI, PET, X-ray.
Third Day
The analysis of the combined studies allows for an accurate diagnosis, determination of the stage of lymphoma spread, and prognosis. A multidisciplinary team of doctors considers all nuances of the specific case and selects the most appropriate therapeutic measures.
- Biopsy
- Computed Tomography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Diagnosis — PET CT
- X-ray
- Blood Biochemistry
How Much Does Treatment Cost
The price of the treatment program at Ichilov depends on a combination of factors: the overall condition at the time of admission, the size and localization of the affected area, the stage of the disease. The cost is influenced by the number and complexity of diagnostic procedures and therapeutic interventions, the need for specialists, new medications, and techniques.
Call the medical coordinator to find out how much the treatment program at Ichilov costs and what it includes. You can ask any questions about organizing your trip through the online chat or a special feedback form.
Advantages of Treatment at Ichilov
- Leading experts and high treatment success rates
- Multidisciplinary teams of doctors and individualized approach to patients
- State-of-the-art medical equipment, access to the latest treatment methods
- Comprehensive support and quality care
- Comfortable environment, language support, and personal accompaniment services
Contact Ichilov and discuss modern treatment options for SALT lymphoma. You can request a consultation via video link through Zoom or Skype with a doctor who has practical experience in successfully treating skin-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, receive expert feedback, and discuss treatment options considering individual characteristics and needs.