Preleukemic States

Abstract

Preleukemic states may be prototypes, forerunners or incomplete manifestations of leukemia, or unrelated diseases bearing superficial resemblances to leukemia. By definition, a preleukemia does not allow the diagnosis of acute leukemia and yet develops into leukemia. However, in our present state of ignorance, we cannot predict the leukemic outcome. Hence, if we are to diagnose preleukemia other than retrospectively, we will inevitably include in the diagnosis other entities which dot not develop into leukemia, but resemble the preleukemic states morphologically and clinically. It is this uncertainty of prospective diagnosis which has caused the great interest in the subject.