Head and neck squamous cell cancer associated with lymphoproliferative malignancies is aggressive.

Head and neck squamous cell cancer associated with lymphoproliferative malignancies is aggressive.:

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Head and neck squamous cell cancer associated with lymphoproliferative malignancies is aggressive.

J Laryngol Otol. 2020 Apr 20;:1-3

Authors: Li L, Hamilton L, Montgomery J, Stewart M

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia are at an elevated risk of further malignancy. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma often presents with cervical lymph node metastasis, and can pose a diagnostic challenge in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukaemia who may have pre-existing palpable neck nodes.

METHODS: A retrospective case review of a health board was conducted to identify patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with a previous diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

RESULTS: Four patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that developed after non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukaemia were identified. Two patients had a background of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma treated with chemotherapy. The remaining two patients had a background of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia under active surveillance. Three out of the four patients died within 30 months of diagnosis.

CONCLUSION: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma following non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukaemia is aggressive. A heightened clinical suspicion is essential to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in patients with dual pathology.

PMID: 32308160 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]