It is not clear if subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL) is inherited in families.

One research study has suggested the SPTCL is associated with genemutations in the HAVCR2 gene. In families with mutations in this gene, SPTCL was inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. In autosomal recessive inheritance, both copies of the gene in each cell have mutations. The parents of an individual with an autosomal recessive condition each carry one copy of the mutated gene, but they typically do not show signs and symptoms of the condition. The parents are known as "carriers". Autosomal recessive disorders are typically not seen in every generation of an affected family.

In these families, SPTCL associated with HAVCR2 gene mutations was more likely to include hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.