Plasma cell leukemia: Difference between revisions

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'''Plasma cell leukemia''' ('''PCL''') is a rare and aggressive variant of [[multiple myeloma]] which involves high levels of plasma cells circulating in the peripheral blood. It is characterized by the presence of plasma cells in the blood and is classified as either primary or secondary PCL.
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
== Classification ==
| name            = Plasma cell leukemia
PCL is classified into two types: primary and secondary. '''Primary PCL''' is diagnosed when the disease is found at the initial presentation, while '''secondary PCL''' is diagnosed when the disease evolves from pre-existing multiple myeloma.
| image          = [[File:Plasma_cell_leukemia.jpg|250px]]
 
| caption        = Micrograph of plasma cell leukemia
== Symptoms ==
| field          = [[Hematology]]
The symptoms of PCL are similar to those of multiple myeloma and may include [[bone pain]], [[fatigue]], and [[weakness]]. Other symptoms may include [[fever]], [[infection]], and [[bleeding]].
| symptoms        = [[Fatigue (medical)|Fatigue]], [[bone pain]], [[anemia]], [[hypercalcemia]], [[renal failure]]
 
| complications  = [[Infection]], [[thrombosis]]
== Diagnosis ==
| onset          = Typically in [[adulthood]]
The diagnosis of PCL is based on the presence of high levels of plasma cells in the blood. This can be determined through a [[blood test]] or a [[bone marrow biopsy]].
| duration        = Chronic
 
| causes          = [[Genetic mutations]], [[environmental factors]]
== Treatment ==
| risks          = [[Multiple myeloma]], [[monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance]]
The treatment for PCL typically involves [[chemotherapy]], [[stem cell transplantation]], and supportive care. The choice of treatment depends on the patient's overall health and the specific characteristics of the disease.
| diagnosis      = [[Blood test]], [[bone marrow biopsy]]
 
| differential    = [[Multiple myeloma]], [[chronic lymphocytic leukemia]]
== Prognosis ==
| treatment      = [[Chemotherapy]], [[stem cell transplant]], [[immunotherapy]]
The prognosis for PCL is generally poor, with a median survival time of less than a year. However, some patients may respond well to treatment and achieve a longer survival time.
| prognosis      = Poor, with median survival of 7-11 months
 
| frequency      = Rare, <1% of all [[leukemias]]
== See also ==
}}
{{Short description|A rare and aggressive form of leukemia}}
'''Plasma cell leukemia''' (PCL) is a rare and aggressive form of [[leukemia]] characterized by the presence of [[plasma cells]] in the [[peripheral blood]]. It is considered a variant of [[multiple myeloma]], but it is distinguished by its more aggressive clinical course and poorer prognosis.
==Classification==
Plasma cell leukemia can be classified into two types:
* '''Primary plasma cell leukemia''': This form occurs de novo, meaning it arises without a prior history of multiple myeloma.
* '''Secondary plasma cell leukemia''': This form develops as a progression from pre-existing multiple myeloma.
==Pathophysiology==
Plasma cell leukemia is characterized by the proliferation of malignant plasma cells, which are a type of [[white blood cell]] responsible for producing [[antibodies]]. In PCL, these cells are found in large numbers in the peripheral blood, unlike in multiple myeloma where they are primarily located in the [[bone marrow]].
==Clinical Features==
Patients with plasma cell leukemia may present with a variety of symptoms, including:
* [[Anemia]]
* [[Thrombocytopenia]]
* [[Leukopenia]]
* [[Hypercalcemia]]
* [[Renal failure]]
* [[Bone pain]]
==Diagnosis==
The diagnosis of plasma cell leukemia is made based on the presence of more than 20% plasma cells in the peripheral blood or an absolute plasma cell count greater than 2 x 10^9/L. Diagnostic tests may include:
* [[Complete blood count]]
* [[Bone marrow biopsy]]
* [[Flow cytometry]]
* [[Cytogenetic analysis]]
==Treatment==
Treatment for plasma cell leukemia is challenging due to its aggressive nature. Options may include:
* [[Chemotherapy]]
* [[Stem cell transplantation]]
* [[Targeted therapy]]
* [[Immunotherapy]]
==Prognosis==
The prognosis for plasma cell leukemia is generally poor, with a median survival of less than one year. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.
==See also==
* [[Multiple myeloma]]
* [[Multiple myeloma]]
* [[Leukemia]]
* [[Leukemia]]
* [[Plasma cell]]
* [[Bone marrow]]
 
* [[White blood cell]]
== References ==
[[Category:Hematology]]
<references />
 
[[Category:Leukemia]]
[[Category:Leukemia]]
[[Category:Plasma cells]]
[[Category:Rare diseases]]
[[Category:Rare diseases]]
{{stub}}

Latest revision as of 15:37, 8 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Plasma cell leukemia
File:Plasma cell leukemia.jpg
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Fatigue, bone pain, anemia, hypercalcemia, renal failure
Complications Infection, thrombosis
Onset Typically in adulthood
Duration Chronic
Types N/A
Causes Genetic mutations, environmental factors
Risks Multiple myeloma, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance
Diagnosis Blood test, bone marrow biopsy
Differential diagnosis Multiple myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Prevention N/A
Treatment Chemotherapy, stem cell transplant, immunotherapy
Medication N/A
Prognosis Poor, with median survival of 7-11 months
Frequency Rare, <1% of all leukemias
Deaths N/A


A rare and aggressive form of leukemia


Plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is a rare and aggressive form of leukemia characterized by the presence of plasma cells in the peripheral blood. It is considered a variant of multiple myeloma, but it is distinguished by its more aggressive clinical course and poorer prognosis.

Classification[edit]

Plasma cell leukemia can be classified into two types:

  • Primary plasma cell leukemia: This form occurs de novo, meaning it arises without a prior history of multiple myeloma.
  • Secondary plasma cell leukemia: This form develops as a progression from pre-existing multiple myeloma.

Pathophysiology[edit]

Plasma cell leukemia is characterized by the proliferation of malignant plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell responsible for producing antibodies. In PCL, these cells are found in large numbers in the peripheral blood, unlike in multiple myeloma where they are primarily located in the bone marrow.

Clinical Features[edit]

Patients with plasma cell leukemia may present with a variety of symptoms, including:

Diagnosis[edit]

The diagnosis of plasma cell leukemia is made based on the presence of more than 20% plasma cells in the peripheral blood or an absolute plasma cell count greater than 2 x 10^9/L. Diagnostic tests may include:

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for plasma cell leukemia is challenging due to its aggressive nature. Options may include:

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for plasma cell leukemia is generally poor, with a median survival of less than one year. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.

See also[edit]

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