Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia as an Unusual Cause ofRapid Airway Compromise

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is the most prevalent form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) in Western countriespredominantly affecting adults over the age of 65. CLL is commonly indolent in nature but can present locally and aggressivelyat extranodal sites. Although CLL may commonly present with cervical lymphadenopathy, manifestation in nonlymphoid regionsof the head and neck is not well described. CLL causing upper airway obstruction is even more uncommon. We describe a case ofa patient with known history of CLL and stable lymphocytosis that developed an enlarging lymphoid base of tongue (BOT) massresulting in rapid airway compromise.