Non-Haematopoietic Cells in the Bone Marrow

Non-hematopoietic cells may be found in the bone marrow. These are commonly metastatic in nature.

Carcinoma of the breast is the most common metastatic disease detected in the bone marrow in women, wile lung carcinoma is the most common among men. Neuroblastoma has the highest incidence in children.

Blood Film Features:

  • Leucoerythroblastic picture
  • It is very rare to see circulating non-hematopoietic cells in the peripheral blood

Bone Marrow Features:

Features to suggest non-haematopoietic cells

  • Clumps of  cells
  • Pleomorphic nucleus with moulding of nuclei by adjacent cells
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Peripheral blood films from two patients with patient metastatic neuroblastoma.

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Bone marrow aspirates from two patients with metastatic neuroblastoma to the bone marrow. Homer-wright rosettes are often seen in neuroblastomas.

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Peripheral blood film from two patients with metastatic retinoblastoma.

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Bone marrow aspirates from patients with metastatic retinoblastoma to the bone marrow. Note the distinct clumps of non-haematopoietic cells.

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Peripheral blood film from a patient with bone marrow infiltration by osteosarcoma.

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Bone marrow aspirate of a patient with bone marrow involvement by osteosarcoma. Note the distinct clumps of non-haematopoietic cells.

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