How is Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm Diagnosed?

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. 

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• 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?