title: Aggressive squamous cell carcinoma of the skin after chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
abstract: 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.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D007945:Leukemia, Lymphoid / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D012306:Risk; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects