Publication
Primary manifestation of small lymphocytic lymphoma in the prostate
Journal Paper/Review - Oct 1, 2009
Fehr Martin, Templeton Arnoud, Cogliatti Sergio B., Aebersold Franziska, Egli Fritz, Gillessen Sommer Silke, Cathomas Richard
Units
PubMed
Doi
Citation
Type
Journal
Publication Date
Issn Electronic
Pages
Brief description/objective
BACKGROUND: Infiltration of non-haematopoietic organs by small lymphocytic lymphoma/chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (SLL/CLL) is not unusual in late-stage disease and thus quite frequently encountered in post-mortem examinations. However, primary manifestation of SLL/CLL in the prostate is rarely diagnosed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report two cases of primary prostatic SLL/CLL, in one case in combination with prostate carcinoma, and discuss diagnostic pitfalls, pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic management, together with an overview of the literature. CONCLUSIONS: Lymphocytic infiltration of the prostate associated with obstructive symptoms is rare but can already occur in very early disease. Microscopically, SLL/CLL infiltration can be distinguished from chronic prostatitis by its pattern of infiltration and by immunohistochemistry. As the incidence of both SLL/CLL and prostatic carcinoma increases with age, composite tumours might occur more often in the future.