摘要
Introduction: B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B-CLL) represents a low grade B-cell lymphoproliferative disease that is the most common leukaemia in adults. The neoplastic cell is an autoreactive CD5 CD23 B lymphocyte. B-CLL may involve the skin, typically in the context of known disease. We present a case of subclinical B-CLL presenting initially in the skin. Case Report: A 73-year-old male developed a lesion on his right cheek in April 2003 compatible with basal cell carcinoma. The re-excision specimen contained a well-differentiated atypical lymphocytic infiltrate consistent with B-CLL along with residual carcinoma. Subsequent laboratory studies revealed peripheral blood lymphocytosis with smudge cells. A diagnosis was made of Rai stage 0 CLL. Chromosomal studies on peripheral blood showed a deletion at 13q14.3. Excision of a second primary skin carcinoma revealed a squamous cell carcinoma in association with B-CLL that was identical to his previously diagnosed skin involvement. Conclusion: This case identifies a cutaneous presentation of subclinical B-CLL. There are two prior reports describing B-CLL presenting initially in the skin. In one case, the infiltrates were incidental on a reexcision specimen. The second report suggests 16%of B-CLL patients have cutaneous manifestations as the first sign of disease.
Introduction： B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia （B-CLL） represents a low grade B-cell lymphoproliferative disease that is the most common leukaemia in adults. The neoplastic cell is an autoreactive CD5 CD23 B lymphocyte. B-CLL may involve the skin, typically in the context of known disease. We present a case of subclinical B-CLL presenting initially in the skin. Case Report： A 73-year-old male developed a lesion on his right cheek in April 2003 compatible with basal cell carcinoma. The re-excision specimen contained a well-differentiated atypical lymphocytic infiltrate consistent with B-CLL along with residual carcinoma. Subsequent laboratory studies revealed peripheral blood lymphocytosis with smudge cells. A diagnosis was made of Rai stage 0 CLL. Chromosomal studies on peripheral blood showed a deletion at 13q14.3. Excision of a second primary skin carcinoma revealed a squamous cell carcinoma in association with B-CLL that was identical to his previously diagnosed skin involvement. Conclusion： This case identifies a cutaneous presentation of subclinical B-CLL. There are two prior reports describing B-CLL presenting initially in the skin. In one case, the infiltrates were incidental on a reexcision specimen. The second report suggests 16% of B-CLL patients have cutaneous manifestations as the first sign of disease.
