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Leukemia cutis in association with cutaneous epidermal malignancies
Seong Ra1, Albert Su, Doug Ellison
1San Diego Pathologists Medical Group, San Diego, CA 92108, USA. sra@mednet.ucla.edu
Journal of Cutaneous Pathology
|August 1, 2012
Summary
Cutaneous epidermal malignancies rarely occur with hematolymphoid disorders. This study details two rare cases of myeloid leukemia cutis associated with squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma in elderly men.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Hematology
- Oncology
Background:
- Epidermal malignancies are seldom associated with hematolymphoid malignancies.
- Only one previous case of myeloid leukemia cutis with a co-occurring cutaneous epidermal malignancy has been documented.
Observation:
- Two elderly male patients presented with skin lesions.
- One patient had a lesion on the upper back, the other on the wrist.
- Biopsies revealed basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, respectively.
Findings:
- Both biopsies showed leukemic infiltrates with myeloid blasts and precursors.
- Immunohistochemistry confirmed myeloid origin (CD43, CD45, CD68, CD33, CD117, myeloperoxidase).
- Peripheral blood smears revealed myeloblasts in both patients.
Implications:
- Inflammatory infiltrates near skin cancers are often reactive.
- Systemic hematopoietic disease must be excluded, particularly in elderly patients.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for patient outcomes.
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