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Multiple basal cell carcinomas associated with hairy cell leukaemia
M P Schön1, J Reifenberger, S Von Schmiedeberg
1Departments of Dermatology and Haematology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany. schoen.-duesseldorf@t-online.de
The British Journal of Dermatology
|April 24, 1999
Summary
This case study highlights a patient with multiple basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and hairy cell leukemia (HCL). The findings suggest a potential link between T-cell immune dysregulation in HCL and BCC development, possibly exacerbated by sun exposure.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a common skin cancer.
- Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a rare chronic lymphoid leukemia.
Observation:
- A Caucasian woman developed over 20 basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) between ages 49 and 51.
- No genetic predisposition for BCC was identified.
- The patient was diagnosed with hairy cell leukemia (HCL) at age 51.
- Further BCCs developed as HCL progressed.
Findings:
- Molecular analysis for PTCH, GSTT1, GSTM1, and CYP1A1 genes showed no abnormalities.
- Actinic skin damage was present in sun-exposed areas.
- HCL is associated with significant T-cell immune dysfunction.
Implications:
- T-cell immune dysregulation in HCL may contribute to the pathogenesis of BCC.
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation's role in BCC development might be amplified by HCL-induced immunosuppression.
- This case suggests a potential link between hematologic malignancies and non-melanoma skin cancers.