Carcinocythemia

Carcinocythemia - malignant tumour cells in peripheral blood (cropped v1)

Carcinocythemia is a rare and severe condition characterized by the presence of malignant carcinoma cells in the peripheral blood. This phenomenon is also known as carcinoma cell leukemia. It is a manifestation of advanced metastatic cancer and indicates a poor prognosis.

Pathophysiology

Carcinocythemia occurs when carcinoma cells from a primary tumor enter the bloodstream and circulate as free cells. These cells can originate from various types of carcinomas, including breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and gastrointestinal cancer. The presence of these cells in the blood is indicative of widespread metastasis and significant tumor burden.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with carcinocythemia often present with symptoms related to their primary malignancy. Common symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, and anemia. Due to the high tumor burden, patients may also experience complications such as thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of carcinocythemia is made through the identification of malignant cells in a peripheral blood smear. These cells are typically identified by their large size, irregular shape, and high nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio. Additional diagnostic tools may include flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and molecular diagnostics to confirm the origin and type of carcinoma cells.

Treatment

The treatment of carcinocythemia is challenging and primarily focuses on managing the underlying malignancy. Therapeutic options may include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Supportive care measures are also essential to manage symptoms and complications such as anemia and DIC.

Prognosis

The prognosis for patients with carcinocythemia is generally poor due to the advanced stage of the disease and the extensive spread of cancer cells. The presence of carcinoma cells in the blood is associated with a high risk of mortality.

See Also

• Leukemia
• Metastasis
• Carcinoma
• Peripheral blood smear
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy

External Links

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