Leukemia Cutis

Abstract

Leukemia cutis (LC) is a nonspecific term used for cutaneous manifestations of any type of leukemia. LC has a wide range of cutaneous manifestations, which can make it difficult to clinically distinguish LC from other skin lesions. Patients with LC usually have concomitant systemic leukemia, but occasionally skin involvement precedes the involvement of the bone marrow or peripheral blood. Thus, a skin biopsy can be the first indication of the presence of leukemia in a subset of patients. The immunophenotyping of routinely processed skin biopsy specimens is very useful in establishing the diagnosis of LC. Although the molecular mechanisms explaining the pathogenesis of LC are not well defined, chemokine receptors and adhesion molecules may have an important role in skin tropism. We review the literature and recent advances pertaining to LC, with special emphasis on the immunohistochemical assessment and possible mechanisms involved in skin tropism by leukemic cells.

NPM1 mutation is associated with leukemia cutis in acute myeloid leukemia with monocytic features

“…[1][2][3] While the association between AML with monocytic features and LC has been described, little is known about the association of other AML characteristics and LC. 2,4,5 Recently, a number of recurrent gene mutations have been described in AML; however, the association of these mutations and LC has not been systematically investigated.…”

Mixed Phenotypic Acute Leukemia with Leukemia Cutis and Neuroleukemiosis

“…Classically the lesions are papules, plaques, or nodules ranging from violaceous to red-brown (3). Extramedullary lesions occur most commonly in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (10%-15%) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (4%-20%) and rarely in lymphoblastic leukemia (1%) (4). Leukemia cutis appears to be associated with a higher percentage of extramedullary leukemic involvement at other sites, especially the central nervous system (5).…”

Leukemia Cutis with Acute Myelomonocytic Leukemia Presenting As a Benign Appearing Maculopapular Rash: A Rare and Interesting Case Report

“…Though it can be seen in various types of leukemia namely chronic myeloid and lymphoid as well as acute myeloid, the more common entity is acute myeloid leukemia (AML) of M4 and M5 type from French American British (FAB) classification. (2) Approximately 10-15% of AML patients develop leukemia cutis. Aleukemic leukemia cutis is defined as skin infiltration in the absence of bone www.jmscr.igmpublication.…”