Skin Leukemia, a rare manifestation of the blood cancer
Leukemia cutis, a lesser-known but significant condition, is characterized by the infiltration of leukemic cells into the skin, resulting in distinctive dermatological signs such as red or purple nodules, lumps, plaques, itchy patches, and rashes. Other common symptoms of leukemia in general may include fatigue, fever, bruising, petechiae (small red spots), bone pain, swollen lymph nodes, night sweats, and weight loss[1][3][4][5].
The risk factors for developing leukemia cutis primarily relate to having an underlying leukemia diagnosis, especially types like acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), as skin involvement generally occurs secondary to systemic leukemia[3][5]. Other general risk factors for leukemia include genetic predispositions, prior chemotherapy or radiation exposure, environmental exposures (e.g., benzene), and certain bone marrow disorders.
Because leukemia cutis indicates skin manifestation of blood cancer, early diagnosis and treatment of the primary leukemia is essential for better outcomes[1][3][5]. In many cases, leukemia cutis suggests an advanced stage of leukemia and may mean a shorter survival time.
Treatment for leukemia cutis usually follows that of the underlying leukemia and may involve systemic therapies such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplantation. The primary aim is to control the leukemia systemically, which often leads to resolution of skin lesions. Some local symptomatic treatment for skin manifestations might be considered, but systemic control is the primary approach[3][5].
It's important to note that most people with leukemia cutis already have a systemic leukemia diagnosis, but some develop lesions before diagnosis. If a person with leukemia cutis has a fever, doctors will test for infections. Support from cancer support groups or therapists with experience in treating people with chronic diseases can help manage leukemia cutis.
Diagnostic tests for leukemia cutis include a complete blood count, blood smear, bone marrow biopsy, skin biopsy, tests for kidney and liver function, blood clotting, metabolic profile, and biomarkers for cancer. "Watchful waiting" may be used for slow-progressing forms of leukemia, but if a person has open wounds from leukemia cutis, antimicrobial medications may be prescribed to prevent infections.
In summary:
- Leukemia cutis is a condition where cancerous cells infiltrate the skin, causing distinctive dermatological signs.
- Risk factors for leukemia cutis include having an underlying leukemia diagnosis and general risk factors for leukemia.
- Treatment for leukemia cutis involves addressing the underlying systemic leukemia, with options including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant, targeted therapy drugs, immunotherapy, and rituximab.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of the primary leukemia is crucial for better outcomes.
- Support and management for leukemia cutis can be found in cancer support groups and therapists with experience in treating people with chronic diseases.
- Diagnostic tests for leukemia cutis include a range of blood tests, biopsies, and other tests to evaluate kidney, liver, and metabolic function, as well as cancer biomarkers.
- Science has shown that acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), among other leukemias, can increase the risk of developing leukemia cutis, a skin manifestation of blood cancer.
- In addition to leukemia cutis, other medical-conditions related to leukemia include fatigue, fever, bruising, petechiae, bone pain, swollen lymph nodes, night sweats, and weight loss.
- Proper health-and-wellness, including skin-care, is essential as it can help identify early signs of leukemia cutis, potentially leading to early diagnosis and better treatment outcomes.
