title: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia presenting with localized gynecologic symptoms.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although no cure exists for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), treatment can reduce morbidity and/or improve survival in advanced disease. Identification of patients in an early disease state allows monitoring and treatment as soon as appropriate. We were unable to find previous reports of early CLL disease presenting with gynecologic symptoms. This report seeks to alert gynecologists of their potential role in identifying CLL patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 76-year-old woman presented with rectovaginal pressure. Cervical cone biopsy showed a lymphoproliferative process. Peripheral blood flow cytometry confirmed a diagnosis of early-stage CLL. The patient remains asymptomatic and is currently monitored for disease progression.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Early CLL can present with localized gynecologic symptoms or cervical lesions. The recognition of early disease can assure optimal treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of ObGyn, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT, USA.
authors.forename: Alexandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mainiero
authors.forename: Peter F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Schnatz
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D001773:Blood Cells / Q000473:pathology; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000166:cytology / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D015451:Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / Q000175:diagnosis*