Atypical fibroxanthoma in the setting of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and other non-hodgkin lymphomas

BACKGROUND Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) is a rare cutaneous malignancy of older adults. Little is known about the behavior of AFX in the setting of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). OBJECTIVE To further understand the development, characteristics, and behavior of AFX in the setting of concomitant CLL and other types of NHL. METHODS AND MATERIALS Study approval was obtained from the Mayo Clinic Institutional Review Board. The master diagnosis index was queried from January 1, 1980, through December 31, 2008, to identify patients with AFX and CLL or other types of NHL. A retrospective chart review was conducted. RESULTS Ten patients were identified with AFX and NHL. These patients did not show a greater risk of recurrence, metastasis, or death than that found in previous case reports. Of these 10 patients, four had AFX and CLL. The outcomes of these patients were no different from those of patients with AFX and other types of lymphoma. CONCLUSIONS AFX did not demonstrate aggressive features such as recurrence or metastasis in patients with concomitant CLL or other NHL. More studies are needed to definitively characterize the behavior of AFX in this patient population. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.