Due to limited research and knowledge of BPDCN, making an accurate diagnosis quickly can be challenging. BPDCN can progress quickly. Once you have been diagnosed, it is important to see a specialist who can create the right treatment plan for you as soon as possible. 

To view Healthtree’s BPDCN specialist directory follow the link below. 

BPDCN Specialist Directory

BPDCN has many characteristics that overlap with other blood cancers or chronic conditions. This can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. 

Obtaining an accurate diagnosis early gives people more time to consider different treatment options and make plans for the future, which can lead to improved quality of life.  

When diagnosis is delayed, BPDCN will continue to progress, and when untreated, it significantly impacts a person’s quality of life. Diagnosing BPDCN accurately requires a comprehensive approach that includes: 

• Physical examination
• Laboratory tests and biopsies
• Imaging tests

Physical Examination

• Full skin assessment: A dermatologist examines for lesions or unusual marks on the skin. These lesions can range in size and color and can be located anywhere on the body.

Laboratory Tests

• Complete blood count (CBC): A CBC measures the amount and sizes of different types of cells in the blood. These test results can help identify signs of bone marrow involvement and guide further testing.
  
  
• Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy: This test removes a small amount of bone marrow fluid and tissue for analysis of its cellular composition. The sample is examined for abnormal cells using several techniques.
  
  
• Lymph node biopsy: This test removes all or part of a lymph node to check for BPDCN cells in the lymphatic system. This test helps confirm whether the disease has spread beyond the skin or bone marrow. Additional tests may be performed on the biopsy sample to identify specific markers that confirm a BPDCN diagnosis.
  
  
• Lumbar puncture: This test examines the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. This test is crucial for determining whether the disease has spread beyond the bone marrow and lymph nodes to the CNS.
  
  
• Cytogenetic testing: This test examines the chromosomes within cells to detect structural abnormalities or changes in chromosome number. This can help provide diagnostic information relevant to BPDCN that can help guide prognosis and treatment.
  
  
• Next-generation sequencing: This test detects variants or mutations in the genetic tissue of the cancer cells. This test helps identify genetic changes that may influence treatment decisions, including targeted therapies or clinical trial options.

Imaging tests

• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan: This test uses a small amount of radioactive substance to identify abnormal (cancerous) tissue.
  
  
• Computed Tomography (CT) scan: This test uses X-rays to create detailed images of the inside of the body.

Keep reading more about the diagnostic process of BPDCN in this in-depth article: Diagnosing BPDCN: What You Should Know About Key Markers and Tests