Aleukemic leukemia cutis

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia


= Aleukemic Leukemia Cutis = Aleukemic leukemia cutis is a rare dermatological condition characterized by the infiltration of leukemic cells into the skin without the presence of leukemia in the peripheral blood. This condition is a form of leukemia cutis, which itself is a manifestation of systemic leukemia.

Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]

Aleukemic leukemia cutis occurs when leukemic cells, typically myeloid or lymphoid in origin, infiltrate the dermis and subcutaneous tissues. Unlike typical leukemia, these cells are not detectable in the peripheral blood, which can make diagnosis challenging. The exact mechanism of why these cells localize to the skin in the absence of systemic leukemia is not fully understood, but it may involve specific chemokine and cytokine signaling pathways that attract leukemic cells to the skin.

Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]

Patients with aleukemic leukemia cutis often present with skin lesions that can vary in appearance. Common presentations include:

  • Papules
  • Nodules
  • Plaques
  • Erythematous or violaceous lesions

These lesions can appear anywhere on the body but are often found on the trunk, extremities, and face. The lesions may be asymptomatic or associated with itching or tenderness.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The diagnosis of aleukemic leukemia cutis is primarily based on skin biopsy and histopathological examination. Key diagnostic features include:

  • Infiltration of atypical leukemic cells in the dermis
  • Immunohistochemical staining to identify the lineage of the leukemic cells (e.g., myeloid or lymphoid markers)

Since peripheral blood and bone marrow examinations may not show evidence of leukemia, skin biopsy is crucial for diagnosis.

Differential Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The differential diagnosis for aleukemic leukemia cutis includes other causes of skin lesions such as:

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment of aleukemic leukemia cutis involves addressing the underlying hematological malignancy, even if it is not detectable in the blood. Treatment options may include:

  • Systemic chemotherapy
  • Targeted therapy based on the specific type of leukemia
  • Radiation therapy for localized skin lesions

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis of aleukemic leukemia cutis depends on the underlying type of leukemia and the response to treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.

See Also[edit | edit source]

NIH genetic and rare disease info[edit source]

Aleukemic leukemia cutis is a rare disease.

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD