Leukemoid Reaction as a “Tumor Marker” in Breast Cancer

Chien-Hua Lin^1*, Jyh-Cherng Yu², Jing-Jim Ou¹, Yueh-Tsung Lee¹, Hurng-Sheng Wu¹

¹Department of Surgery, Chang-Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua.
²Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, Chinese Taipei.

DOI: 10.4236/ss.2012.35054                

Abstract

Neutrophilic leukocytosis above 50 × 109/l exclude leukemia, defines a leukemoid reaction (LR). It is associated with several diseases. Although it simulates leukemia, most of the causes are benign. Tumor-related LR is more common. It is associated with ranulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) secreted by the tumor cells. A 38-year-old woman, presented with advanced breast cancer and leukocytosis (79.9 × 103/uL) was found. After completion of MRM, the condition of leukocytosis subsided. Two months later, tumor local relapse was found and white blood cells (WBC) rose again. After completion of wide excision, the condition of leukocytosis subsided again. We think this case was associated with leukemoid reaction.

Keywords

Leukemoid Reaction; Leukocytosis; Breast Cancer

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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