Related Experiment Videos
T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia involving extramedullary sites
Jose R Valbuena1, Marco Herling, Joan H Admirand
1Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030, USA.
American Journal of Clinical Pathology
|February 18, 2005
Summary
Diagnosis of T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) at extramedullary sites is challenging. T-cell leukemia-1 (TCL-1) expression aids in identifying T-PLL in these biopsies.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) commonly affects blood and bone marrow.
- Extramedullary involvement is recognized, but histologic descriptions are scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document histologic findings of T-PLL in extramedullary biopsy specimens.
- To evaluate the utility of T-cell leukemia-1 (TCL-1) immunostaining in diagnosing extramedullary T-PLL.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 19 extramedullary biopsy specimens from 14 T-PLL patients.
- Histologic examination and TCL-1 immunostaining.
Main Results:
- Skin was the most frequent site (10/19 specimens).
- T-PLL exhibited various patterns: perivascular, diffuse dermal replacement, or subcutaneous masses.
- TCL-1 was positive in 64% (9/14) of patients, aiding diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Histologic features of T-PLL in extramedullary sites can be subtle.
- TCL-1 immunostaining is a valuable tool for diagnosing T-PLL in extramedullary biopsies.