Sézary cell

Sézary cell is a type of T cell, a variety of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the body's immune system. These cells are named after the French dermatologist Albert Sézary, who first described them in 1949. Sézary cells are abnormal or malignant T cells that are found in the blood and skin of patients with a rare type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma known as Sézary syndrome.

Characteristics

Sézary cells are characterized by their distinct morphological features. They are large, round cells with a high nucleus to cytoplasm ratio. The nucleus often has a cerebriform appearance, meaning it resembles the surface of the brain with its convolutions. This is a distinguishing feature of Sézary cells.

Role in Sézary Syndrome

In Sézary syndrome, these abnormal T cells proliferate uncontrollably and accumulate in the skin, blood, and lymph nodes. This leads to widespread erythroderma, or redness and scaling of the skin, along with severe itching and changes in the nails and hair. The presence of Sézary cells in the blood is a key diagnostic criterion for Sézary syndrome.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The diagnosis of Sézary syndrome is based on clinical findings, blood tests, and skin biopsies. The presence of Sézary cells in the blood can be confirmed by a test called flow cytometry, which can identify and count these cells based on their unique characteristics.

Treatment for Sézary syndrome typically involves skin-directed therapies, systemic therapies, or a combination of both. Skin-directed therapies include topical corticosteroids, phototherapy, and radiation therapy. Systemic therapies include chemotherapy, biological therapy, and targeted therapy.

See Also

• Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
• Sézary syndrome
• Flow cytometry
• Chemotherapy