Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL)

Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) is defined as the presence of lymphadenopathy and/or splenomegaly due to infiltrating CLL cells with <5 x 10^9/l monoclonal B cells (MBC) with a CLL immunophenotype in the peripheral blood (1).

• it shows the same immunophenotype as chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)
• confirmation of the diagnosis by histopathological evaluation of a lymph node biopsy should be carried out whenever possible (2)

Reference:

• 1. Campo E et al.The 2008 WHO classification of lymphoid neoplasms and beyond: evolving concepts and practical applications. Blood. 2011;117(19):5019-32
• 2. Eichhorst B et al. Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Ann Oncol. 2010;21 Suppl 5:v162-4