extramedullary disease
Also written as: EM — extramedullary
Cancer involvement outside the bone marrow, occurring in organs or tissues not typically involved.
Full Definition
Extramedullary disease refers to the presence of hematologic malignancy in anatomic sites outside the bone marrow. This can occur at diagnosis or develop during disease progression, indicating aggressive biology and often portending poor prognosis. Common extramedullary sites include the central nervous system, testis, skin, and gastrointestinal tract, though virtually any organ can be involved. Detection requires appropriate imaging studies and sometimes tissue biopsy for confirmation. Treatment typically involves systemic therapy with consideration for local therapy such as radiation. The presence of extramedullary disease influences staging, prognosis, and treatment planning in conditions such as acute leukemia and aggressive lymphomas.
Usage
Usage note: Single compound word; do not hyphenate unless used as compound modifier
In Context
- "CNS imaging revealed extramedullary disease requiring intrathecal chemotherapy prophylaxis." — Staging workup report
- "Extramedullary disease at presentation was associated with inferior event-free survival." — Prognostic factor analysis