The nurse’s role in the care of primary cutaneous lymphomas

Abstract

Primary Cutaneous Lymphomas are a group of lymphomas that show complexity in diagnosis, clinical presentation and treatment. The aim of this review paper is to present the nurse’s role in the care of Primary Cutaneous Lymphomas, both as member of a multidisciplinary team, as well as an independent healthcare professional in the diagnosis, treatment, support of patients’ and in the management of the adverse complications. A review of the publications in Greek medical journals, nursing books, electronic databases of scientific societies and in pubmed and google scholar database, for the period from 2004 to 2018. From the papers found 53 were used. The nursing role is crucial, both in the initial diagnosis of the disease, as well as in the progress and treatment. The nurse’s role as a member of the multiprofessional team is emphafized, especially as nurse navigator. At the same time, the potential problems during treatment and the nursing interventions are presented. In conclusion, it is stated that a nurse can help solve many problems related to the understanding of symptoms and the course of the disease, but also be a supportive person for the patient and his/her caregiver. At the same time, the nurse is presented as a useful guide with the complexity of healthcare system.