Skin cancer in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Abstract

The association between non-Hodgkin lymphoma, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and aggressive skin cancers is well established. This review highlights existing data that address increased incidence and clinical characteristics of skin cancers in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma-specifically, chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma have worse outcomes when melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers develop. The poorer outcomes in these patients are evidenced by increased rates of local recurrence, regional metastasis, and death. Lymphoproliferative neoplasms and certain skin cancers may share similar pathogenic factors, which could provide insights regarding their close relationship and the behavior of lymphoma-related skin cancers. As a consequence of the poorer prognosis in patients with lymphoma-related skin cancer, more aggressive therapeutic measures could reduce the risk of skin cancer recurrence, metastasis, and death. Strategies such as sun protection, education, and frequent dermatologic examinations may help prevent and successfully treat skin cancers in patients with lymphoma.