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Aggressive squamous cell carcinoma of the skin after chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Author(s) -
Bridges Nancy,
Steinberg J. J.
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
journal of surgical oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.201
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1096-9098
pISSN - 0022-4790
DOI - 10.1002/jso.2930330108
Subject(s) - medicine , chronic lymphocytic leukemia , immunosuppression , malignancy , leukemia , dermatology , incidence (geometry) , basal cell , skin cancer , lesion , pathology , cancer , physics , optics
We report two cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin subsequent to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Both cases had an unusually aggressive course for a nonmelanoma skin malignancy with extensive metastases in both, resulting in death in one patient. A literature review supports the likelihood of an increased incidence of SCC in patients with CLL. Though the mechanism is unknown, immunosuppression may play a central role. We urge patients with CLL to avoid exposure to direct sun. Any questionable skin lesion should be biopsied early, and completely excised if it is a tumor. The patient should also be examined thoroughly for metastatic disease via subsequent follow‐up visits.