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Aggressive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

B. E. J. Hartley ,
A. E. Searle ,
N. M. Breach ,
P. H. Rhys-Evans  and
J. M. Henk
B. E. J. Hartley*
Affiliation:
Head and Neck Unit, The Royal Marsden Hospital, Fulham Road, London, UK
A. E. Searle
Affiliation:
Head and Neck Unit, The Royal Marsden Hospital, Fulham Road, London, UK
N. M. Breach
Affiliation:
Head and Neck Unit, The Royal Marsden Hospital, Fulham Road, London, UK
P. H. Rhys-Evans
Affiliation:
Head and Neck Unit, The Royal Marsden Hospital, Fulham Road, London, UK
J. M. Henk
Affiliation:
Head and Neck Unit, The Royal Marsden Hospital, Fulham Road, London, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr B. E. J. Hartley, B.Sc. F.R.C.S., ENT Registrar, The Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, Gray's Inn Road, London WC1X 8DA.
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Abstract

We describe multiple cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck in five patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). When associated with CLL, cutaneous squamous cell carcinomata behave in a much more aggressive manner than otherwise expected. Four patients developed local recurrence after primary treatment. All five patients developed lymph node metastases containing squamous cell carcinoma. Three of five patients (60 per cent) had multiple primary lesions.

Whereas the increased incidence of second cancers in CLL and notably of skin cancers is documented, little has been written to describe the aggressive behaviour of these tumours. It is important, when treating these patients, to be aware of the high tendency towards local recurrence and lymph node metastasis and to consider an aggressive management plan and careful follow-up.

Keywords

Carcinoma, squamous cellLeukaemia, chronic lymphocyticNeoplasm metastasis
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 110 , Issue 7 , July 1996 , pp. 694 - 695
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1996

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