Lymphoma‐associated skin cancer: incidence, natural history, and clinical management

JD Brewer, TM Habermann… - International journal of …, 2014 - Wiley Online Library
JD Brewer, TM Habermann, TD Shanafelt
International journal of dermatology, 2014Wiley Online Library
The link between immunosuppression and skin cancer has been well described. The two
most common situations involving immunosuppression‐associated skin cancer are solid
organ transplantation and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), including chronic lymphocytic
leukemia (CLL). Patients with lymphoma are more likely to have development of a
secondary malignancy, with skin cancer being the most common. The most common types of
skin cancer in patients with NHL/CLL include melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal …
Abstract
The link between immunosuppression and skin cancer has been well described. The two most common situations involving immunosuppression‐associated skin cancer are solid organ transplantation and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Patients with lymphoma are more likely to have development of a secondary malignancy, with skin cancer being the most common. The most common types of skin cancer in patients with NHL/CLL include melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma. Many skin cancers demonstrate increased aggressiveness in patients with NHL/CLL and are associated with higher recurrence rates, increased regional metastasis, and death secondary to skin cancer metastases. This review delineates the current research regarding the relationship between NHL/CLL and cutaneous malignancy. Immunosuppressed patients with skin cancer should be treated promptly and aggressively to decrease recurrence and metastases. Regular skin self‐examinations, dermatologic examinations, sun‐protective habits, and education may prove beneficial in this high‐risk patient population.
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