Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
08:31
Murine Model of Leukemia Relapse to Induction Chemotherapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Published on: October 17, 2025
Breast leukemia: an update
Alexey Surov1, Andreas Wienke, Jasmin Abbas
1Department of Radiology, Martin-Luther-University of Halle-Wittenberg, Germany. alex.surow@medizin.uni-halle.de
Acta Radiologica (Stockholm, Sweden : 1987)
|April 13, 2012
Summary
Breast leukemia (BL) is rare, with acute myeloid leukemia being the most common type. Clinical and radiological features of BL are non-specific but crucial for diagnosis in leukemia patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Hematology
- Radiology
Background:
- Breast leukemia (BL) is an exceptionally rare manifestation.
- Existing literature primarily consists of case reports lacking statistical data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate the clinical signs and radiological characteristics of breast leukemia.
- To enhance diagnostic capabilities for this rare condition.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of PubMed and Medline databases (1980-2010).
- Keywords used: 'breast leukemia' and 'leukemia of the breast'.
- Analysis of 139 identified patient cases.
Main Results:
- Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) was the most frequent diagnosis (61.2%).
- Leukemic involvement of the breast occurred as an initial manifestation (17.3%) or relapse (42.4%).
- Clinical presentation often included palpable, painless breast masses (73%); imaging revealed non-specific patterns like breast masses, architectural distortion, or normal findings.
Conclusions:
- Clinical and radiological features of breast leukemia are non-specific.
- Breast leukemia must be considered in the differential diagnosis of breast disorders, particularly in patients with a history of leukemia.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants
Bone marrow transplant is a potential cure for several diseases, including cancer and specific genetic disorders. Notably, this procedure is applicable for patients suffering from aplastic anemia, certain types of leukemia, severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID), Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, thalassemia, sickle-cell disease, and certain cancers.
The transplant begins with high doses of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, which aim to destroy the...
The transplant begins with high doses of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, which aim to destroy the...
02:07Tumor Progression
Tumor progression is a phenomenon where the pre-formed tumor acquires successive mutations to become clinically more aggressive and malignant. In the 1950s, Foulds first described the stepwise progression of cancer cells through successive stages.
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...