Nonhealing ulcer—A rare initial presentation of chronic myeloid leukemia diagnosed on aspiration cytology

Abstract

Involvement of skin in hematologic malignancies is rare phenomena as majority of the dermatologic lesions in leukemia patients are nonleukemic. In the absence of preceding history of leukemia, the diagnosis is often a surprise. Chronic nonhealing ulcer on the back of a 65-years-old male prompted a fine needle aspiration from its base. Smears showed an unexpected picture comprising of leukocytes in various stages of maturation against a hemorrhagic background. A cytologic diagnosis of leukemia cutis was given. Subsequent hematologic investigations revealed chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase. Cutaneous involvement is a rare initial presentation of leukemia in an otherwise asymptomatic patient and also an uncommon cause of nonhealing ulcer. Aspiration cytology scores over biopsy in not only being a rapid and easy diagnostic tool but also allows better appreciation of cellular details like cytoplasmic granules.