Association of squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and chronic lymphoid leukemia

Abstract

Introduction: The association of squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is exceptional. We report an observation of this association and present the therapeutic problems as well as the effects on prognosis.

Observation: Direct laryngoscopy showed a tumor of the right hemilarynx, with the biopsy concluding in moderately differentiated keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma. The patient had a total laryngectomy, with bilateral lymph node evidement. The anatomopathological examination of the operative specimen demonstrated infiltration of the larynx and squamous cell carcinoma adenopathies and CLL. It was decided to monitor the chronic lymphoid leukemia, classified as Binet stage B. The synchronous or metachronous onset of a second cancer in a patient with CLL is more frequent than in the general population. The synchronous association of squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and CLL has been described only rarely. The therapeutic strategy should focus first on the cancer with the shortest survival rate. The prognosis is more negative in an association of cervicofacial squamous cell carcinoma and leukemia than in a single cervicofacial cancer.