How I diagnose large granular lymphocytic leukemia.

Objectives: Large granular lymphocytic leukemia (LGLL) represents a rare neoplasm of mature T cells or natural killer (NK) cells, with an indolent clinical course. Diagnosing LGLL can be challenging because of overlapping features with reactive processes and other mimickers.

Methods: By presenting 2 challenging cases, we elucidate the differentiation of LGLL from its mimics and highlight potential diagnostic pitfalls. A comprehensive review of the clinicopathologic features of LGLL was conducted.

Results: Large granular lymphocytic leukemia displays a diverse spectrum of clinical presentations, morphologies, flow cytometric immunophenotypes, and molecular profiles. These features are also encountered in reactive conditions, T-cell clones of uncertain significance, and NK cell clones of uncertain significance.

Conclusions: In light of the intricate diagnostic landscape, LGLL workup must encompass clinical, morphologic, immunophenotypic, clonal, and molecular findings. Meeting major and minor diagnostic criteria is imperative for the accurate diagnosis of LGLL.