The presence of __________ on a peripheral blood smear often indicates marrow infiltration by a tumor.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Leukoerythroblastosis is the presence of immature cells such as myelocytes, metamyelocytes, and nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) in the peripheral blood. Teardrop RBCs (dacrocytes) are also commonly seen in conditions such as myelofibrosis, where the bone marrow is infiltrated by fibrotic tissue, leading to extramedullary hematopoiesis. Therefore, the presence of leukoerythroblastosis and teardrop RBCs on a peripheral blood smear often suggests marrow infiltration by a tumor. Option A is incorrect because sickle cells are seen in sickle cell disease, not necessarily in a tumor infiltration. Option C is incorrect because target cells are commonly seen in conditions such as liver disease, hemoglobinopathies, and iron-deficiency anemia, among others, and are not specific to tumor infiltration. Options D and E are incorrect because leukopenia (reduced white blood cell count) and target cells are not specific findings for marrow infiltration by a tumor.

The Presence of __________ on a Peripheral Blood Smear Often