Acute basophilic leukemia is a rare form of
acute myeloid leukemia
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the myeloid line of blood cells, characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal cells that build up in the bone marrow and blood and interfere with normal blood cell production. Symptoms may inclu ...
where blasts are accompanied by abnormal
basophils
Basophils are a type of white blood cell. Basophils are the least common type of granulocyte, representing about 0.5% to 1% of circulating white blood cells. However, they are the largest type of granulocyte. They are responsible for inflammator ...
in all stages of differentiation. It would most likely be classified as M0 without electron microscopic confirmation of basophil lineage.
Presentation
Differentiated (basophilic granules by light microscopy) and poorly differentiated cases; Majority are poorly differentiated. MPO negative by light microscopy; granules positive in a speckled pattern by electron microscopy. Myeloid antigens are expressed. Diagnosis of poorly differentiated cases made by electron microscopy. May manifest basophil and mast cell granules by EM. Cytogenetically heterogeneous but frequently associated with
Philadelphia chromosome
The Philadelphia chromosome or Philadelphia translocation (Ph) is a specific genetic abnormality in chromosome 22 of leukemia cancer cells (particularly chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells). This chromosome is defective and unusually short becaus ...
. There is no clinically distinguishing features but may be more common in children and young adults and carry a poor prognosis.
Diagnosis
References
External links
{{Myeloid malignancy
Acute myeloid leukemia