Myeloid sarcoma of the vagina: a report of 2 cases

Myeloid Sarcoma as a Presentation of Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Blastic Phase in the Course of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: A Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Myeloid sarcoma (MS), also known as granulocytic sarcoma or chloroma, is a rare disease entity characterized by the emergence of an extramedullary tumor, which may be antecedent, coexisting, or manifest secondarily to an ongoing malignancy of lymphoid origin. Owing to its low prevalence, scientific reports addressing this matter comprise mainly retrospective studies with a limited number of participants, rather low-quality research, and only few case reports. Despite MS's rarity, the need for enhancing their diagnostic tools and refinement of their therapeutic regimens is broadly recognized among physicians.

CASE SUMMARY

In this case series, we present the clinical histories of two patients diagnosed with MS. The former (Case 1) exhibited MS of the sternum alongside chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), while in case of the latter (Case 2) MS presented as the initial manifestation of a current acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Treatment for both patients included chemotherapy (CHTH) and radiation (RT); however, patient 1 with CML died due to cardiorespiratory insufficiency secondary to an infection, while patient 2 is in clinical remission (CR) for 16 months since their MS diagnosis. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of previously reported cases was conducted which incorporated MS in patients with AML and CML.

CONCLUSION

The objective of this report was to emphasize the heterogeneity among the clinical manifestations of MS, to underline the relevance of the histopathological and molecular diagnostic tools in opting for the appropriate therapy, and that, in spite of it occurring rather uncommonly, physicians should think of MS in the presence of pathological masses in patients under risk of hematological malignancies.

Vulvovaginal myeloid sarcoma with massive pelvic floor infiltration: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Myeloid sarcoma (MS), including isolated and leukaemic MS, is an extramedullary myeloid tumour. MS can involve any anatomical site, but MS of the female genital tract is rare, with the ovaries and uterine body and cervix being the most commonly seen sites. Involvement of the vagina and vulva is extremely rare.

CASE SUMMARY

We report a rare case of MS with involvement of the vulva and vagina and massive infiltration of the pelvic floor. A 26-year-old woman presented with a vulvar mass, irregular vaginal bleeding and night sweats. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an ill-defined, irregular vulvovaginal mass with massive involvement of the paravaginal tissue, urethra, posterior wall of the bladder, and pelvic floor. The signal and enhancement of the huge mass was homogeneous without haemorrhage or necrosis. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography showed high fluorodeoxyglucose uptake by the mass. Peripheral blood count detected blast cells. Vulvovaginal mass and bone marrow biopsies were performed, and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of acute myeloid leukaemia (M-2 type, FAB classification) and vulvovaginal MS. The patient was treated with induction chemotherapy followed by allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and achieved complete remission. A systemic review of the literature on vulvovaginal MS was conducted to explore this rare entity’s clinical and radiological features.

CONCLUSION

Vulvovaginal MS is extremely rare. Diagnosis of vulvovaginal MS can only be confirmed histopathologically. Even though its clinical and imaging presentations are nonspecific, MS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a newly developed T2-hyperintense, homogeneously enhanced vulvovaginal mass, especially in a patient with suspected haematological malignancy.

An Exceptional Vulvar Tumor: Myeloid Sarcoma of the Labia Majora

Vulvar malignancies are rare and have diverse origins and presentations. The majority of these tumors are squamous cell carcinoma. An ulcerating vulvar tumor was found in a 74-yr-old woman presenting with fatigue and leukocytosis. Tumor biopsy revealed infiltration of blastoid cells from myeloid origin. Through bone marrow aspiration chronic myelomonocytic leukemia was diagnosed, of which the vulvar tumor was a rare extramedullary disease manifestation termed myeloid sarcoma. Limited palliative treatment was instated with a focus on the patient's quality of life. Myeloid sarcoma (chloroma; granulocytic sarcoma) is a mass of myeloblasts occurring in cases of myeloid disease. Manifestations in most organ systems have been described. Presentation in gynecologic areas is reported in a few case reports, to which we now add our experience.

Non-leukemic myeloid sarcoma involving the vulva, vagina, and cervix: a case report and literature review

Myeloid sarcoma (MS) is defined as a tumor mass consisting of myeloid blast with or without maturation occurring at an anatomical site other than bone marrow with normal architectural effacement. It can also precede the onset of leukemia which is called non-leukemic MS. Non-leukemic MS is a kind of rare disease and easy to be misdiagnosed as other common malignancies due to the rarity and nonspecific manifestation. We herein report an unusual case of non-leukemic MS involving the vulva, vagina, and cervix in a female patient. The bone marrow aspiration and biopsy of the patient revealed no hematological abnormality. Immunohistochemical staining of the biopsies was strongly positive for myeloperoxidase, CD68, leukocyte common antigen (LCA), CD117, CD34, CD38, CD79a, and negative for cytokeratin (CK), epithelial memberane antigen (EMA), CD2, CD3, CD20, CD5, CD138. Then a diagnosis of non-leukemic MS was made. Unfortunately, our patient received only one cycle of chemotherapy consisting of cytosine arabinoside and daunorubicin, then refused any further treatment and died 4 months after diagnosis. Although systemic chemotherapy is widely accepted to be a promising strategy, its benefit still needs to be further assessed. Certain questions still need to be answered for this disease: 1) Why can approximately 20% of the patients with non-leukemic MS remain disease-free after local therapy alone? 2) How many cycles of chemotherapy are needed for these patients after achievement of complete remission? 3) What are the prognostic or risk factors in these patients who have no abnormality of karyotype, fusion genes, or gene mutation to predict responsiveness to chemotherapy and outcome? 4) What is the risk factor for relapse? The rarity of non-leukemic MS makes it almost impossible to conduct large-scale randomized trials, but judicious study for each patient with MS is helpful for a further understanding of the nature of the disease.

Lesions of Skene glands and periurethral region: a review

The periurethral (Skene) glands may become involved by a variety of conditions. Mass-like lesions need to be distinguished from other lesions arising from the anterior vagina. Familiarity with these lesions will be helpful if a patient with a lesion of the Skene glands or periurethral region is encountered.

Is acute myeloid leukemia a liquid tumor?

Extramedullary manifestations of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) were described as early as the 19th century. However, the incidence, clinical significance and pathobiology of extramedullary AML remain ill defined. We reviewed case reports, retrospective case series, pilot studies and imaging studies of extramedullary leukemia (EML) to determine its frequency, characteristics, clinical presentation and significance. EML precedes or accompanies development of AML and occurs during or following treatment, even during remission. Although imaging studies are rarely conducted and the true incidence of EML has yet to be verified, authors have reported several estimates based on retrospective and autopsy studies. The incidence of EML in patients with AML of all ages is estimated to be about 9% and EML in children with AML was detected in 40% of patients at diagnosis. The combination of positron emission tomography and computed tomography were the most sensitive and reliable techniques of detecting and monitoring EML. Based on our literature review, the frequency of EML is likely underreported. The well-documented nature of EML in patients with AML suggests that AML can manifest as a solid tumor. The extent to which EML accompanies AML and whether EML is derived from bone marrow are unknown. Furthermore, questions remain regarding the role of the microenvironment, which may or may not facilitate the survival and proliferation of EML, and the implications of these interactions with regard to minimal residual disease, tumor cell quiescence and relapse. Therefore, prospective studies of detection and characterization of EML in patients with AML are warranted.

Defining the optimal dose of radiation in leukemic patients with extramedullary lesions

BACKGROUND

Analysis of the clinical response of extramedullary lesions in leukemic patients treated with radiation therapy (RT) and defining the optimal dose of radiation.

METHODS

Forty-two extramedullary lesions found in 24 leukemic patients treated with RT were reviewed. The radiation was delivered usually 2 Gy/day, up to a median of 20 Gy (range: 18.0-40.8). The clinical response and symptom palliation effect were analyzed. The factors affecting the response were also included in the analysis.

RESULTS

After a median time of 7.9 weeks, the overall response rate was 76.2%. A complete response (CR) was achieved in 35.7%, a partial response in 40.5%. The symptom was relieved in 85.7% sites. The overall response rate was better in patients whose initial tumor size was smaller than 10 cm2 (p = 0.010) or who were treated with more than 25 Gy (p = 0.031). The overall CR rate was also higher in those who had smaller tumors (smaller than 6 cm or 30 cm2) (p = 0.015), or when the tumor was located in soft tissue (p = 0.029).

CONCLUSIONS

Extramedullary lesions in leukemic patients can be successfully treated with RT. The tumor response rate was excellent and symptom relief was achieved in almost all patients. There was a better response to treatment when the tumor was small or it was located in soft tissue. Although, there was no definite correlation between volume reduction and total dose, it seems that higher total dose more of than 25 Gy is needed for better response.

Isolated vaginal myeloid sarcoma in a 16-year-old girl

Involvement of the female genital tract by myeloid sarcoma as the initial presentation is extremely uncommon, especially in the vagina. The lack of specific histologic features and the unusual location can be a diagnostic challenge to both the surgical pathologist and the clinician. The very few reported cases of myeloid sarcoma occurring in the vagina have been exclusively seen in adults. We report a 16-year-old girl who presented with a vaginal mass of 4 weeks duration. The initial clinical impression was a Bartholin cyst vs an abscess. However, because of persistence of the vaginal mass after a full course of antibiotic treatment, a biopsy was performed. Immunohistochemistry supported the diagnosis of myeloid sarcoma. Peripheral blood and bone marrow studies were normal. The patient received 4 cycles of chemotherapy and remained disease free 5 months from therapy completion. The clinical course, diagnostic workup, and differential diagnosis of our patient are discussed. Reported cases of myeloid sarcoma occurring in the vagina are reviewed and summarized.