The diagnosis of BPDCN involves a combination of blood tests, bone marrow tests, and imaging tests. The following sections detail the specific tests used in diagnosing BPDCN.
Blood Tests:
- Complete blood count (CBC): This test measures the amount of different types of cells in the blood. In BPDCN, there may be an increase in the number of white blood cells and a decrease in the number of red blood cells and platelets.
Bone Marrow Tests:
- Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy: These tests involve taking a small sample of bone marrow from the hip bone and examining it under a microscope. The presence of BPDCN cells in the bone marrow can confirm the diagnosis.
- Immunohistochemistry: This test uses antibodies to detect specific proteins on the surface of cells in the bone marrow sample. A diagnosis of BPDCN is made when there is the presence of CD123, CD4, CD56 and TCL-1 in the absence of other myeloid leukemia markers, particularly myeloperoxidase and lysozyme.
- Flow cytometry: This test is used to identify the specific type of cells present in the blood. In BPDCN, the malignant cells usually express certain markers such as CD4, CD56, and CD123.
- Cytogenetic analysis: This test looks for certain changes in the chromosomes of the cancer cells. Some patients with BPDCN may have specific chromosomal abnormalities.
Imaging Tests:
- Computed Tomography (CT) scan: This test uses x-rays to create detailed images of the inside of the body. It can help identify any tumors or areas of cancer spread.
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan: This test uses a small amount of radioactive glucose to find cancer cells in the body. It can help determine the extent of the disease.
A Summary of Diagnosing Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm
It's important to note that the diagnosis and classification of BPDCN is complex and requires a comprehensive evaluation by a team of specialists. A complete diagnosis requires a physical examination, looking at a bone marrow sample under the microscope, immunophenotyping, and often molecular genetic testing. The specific markers and genetic changes found in the bone marrow sample can also help determine a person's prognosis and guide treatment decisions. If you don't currently have a BPDCN specialist on your team, it is important that you consult with one. Use HealthTree's BPDCN Specialist Directory to locate a specialist near you.
Want to Learn More About Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm?
Keep reading HealthTree for Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm's 101 pages!
- What Is Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm?
- How Long Will I Live With Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm?
- What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm?
- How Is Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm Staged And Classified?
- What Are Treatments For Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm?
The diagnosis of BPDCN involves a combination of blood tests, bone marrow tests, and imaging tests. The following sections detail the specific tests used in diagnosing BPDCN.
Blood Tests:
- Complete blood count (CBC): This test measures the amount of different types of cells in the blood. In BPDCN, there may be an increase in the number of white blood cells and a decrease in the number of red blood cells and platelets.
Bone Marrow Tests:
- Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy: These tests involve taking a small sample of bone marrow from the hip bone and examining it under a microscope. The presence of BPDCN cells in the bone marrow can confirm the diagnosis.
- Immunohistochemistry: This test uses antibodies to detect specific proteins on the surface of cells in the bone marrow sample. A diagnosis of BPDCN is made when there is the presence of CD123, CD4, CD56 and TCL-1 in the absence of other myeloid leukemia markers, particularly myeloperoxidase and lysozyme.
- Flow cytometry: This test is used to identify the specific type of cells present in the blood. In BPDCN, the malignant cells usually express certain markers such as CD4, CD56, and CD123.
- Cytogenetic analysis: This test looks for certain changes in the chromosomes of the cancer cells. Some patients with BPDCN may have specific chromosomal abnormalities.
Imaging Tests:
- Computed Tomography (CT) scan: This test uses x-rays to create detailed images of the inside of the body. It can help identify any tumors or areas of cancer spread.
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan: This test uses a small amount of radioactive glucose to find cancer cells in the body. It can help determine the extent of the disease.
A Summary of Diagnosing Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm
It's important to note that the diagnosis and classification of BPDCN is complex and requires a comprehensive evaluation by a team of specialists. A complete diagnosis requires a physical examination, looking at a bone marrow sample under the microscope, immunophenotyping, and often molecular genetic testing. The specific markers and genetic changes found in the bone marrow sample can also help determine a person's prognosis and guide treatment decisions. If you don't currently have a BPDCN specialist on your team, it is important that you consult with one. Use HealthTree's BPDCN Specialist Directory to locate a specialist near you.
Want to Learn More About Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm?
Keep reading HealthTree for Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm's 101 pages!
- What Is Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm?
- How Long Will I Live With Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm?
- What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm?
- How Is Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm Staged And Classified?
- What Are Treatments For Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm?