Related Experiment Videos
Bilateral breast relapse in acute myelogenous leukemia
P M Monteleone1, D A Steele, A K King
1Department of Pediatrics, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA. monteleonep@health.missouri.edu
Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
|February 24, 2001
Summary
This case study highlights a rare breast relapse of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) in a young girl. Early detection and comprehensive treatment, including bone marrow transplant, led to sustained remission.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Hematology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a rare cancer in children.
- Extramedullary relapse, particularly in the breast, is an uncommon presentation of AML.
- Understanding rare disease manifestations is crucial for effective patient management.
Observation:
- An 11.5-year-old female diagnosed with M1 acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) presented with isolated extramedullary relapse in both breasts.
- This relapse occurred 12 months after initial diagnosis and 7 months after completion of chemotherapy.
- Literature review identified 10 additional pediatric cases of AML with breast involvement.
Findings:
- The patient received salvage chemotherapy, focal radiation therapy, and a matched unrelated bone marrow transplant.
- She has remained in remission for 37 months post-transplant.
- Analysis of reported cases suggests potential pathophysiologic mechanisms for breast spread in pediatric AML.
Implications:
- Breast involvement in pediatric AML is rare but warrants consideration in differential diagnoses.
- Regular breast examinations are recommended for all girls with a history of AML during follow-up.
- This case underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring for extramedullary disease in pediatric cancer survivors.