by 
The Curious Bag
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Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is a subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It affects the T-cells---a type of white blood cell---mainly in the skin. While the exact causes are unknown, certain factors might play a role.
Chromosomes
People with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma sometimes have injuries to the 1 and 6 chromosomes while chromosomes 7,11, 21 and 22 are either deleted or replicated according to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Viral Infections
In some cases, viral infections seemed to trigger this cancer in some people including the HTLV-1 virus and the Epstein-Barr virus according to the Moffit Cancer Center.
Compromised Immunity
Immunosuppression might play a role in some people. The Moffit Center notes cases of the cancer arising in people with HIV, organ transplant recipients and previously treated lymphoma patients.
Chemicals
Agent Orange, a chemical used in the Vietnam war might increase the risk for veterans exposed to it, according to the Cutaneous Lymphoma Society. They indicate however, that studies testing a link between this cancer and exposure to chemicals and pesticides in general did not produce a link.
Other Possible Causes
Other possible causes have little supporting data and include a genetic link, exposure to radiation and pre-existing cancerous tumors, according to the Moffit Center.
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