Abstract

Light microscopical and routine immunohistochemical studies of a cervical neoplasm in a 32 year old woman initially suggested a histiocytic lymphoma, but histochemical staining for chloroacetate esterase established the correct diagnosis. This was supported by electron microscopic findings. Eight months later the patient developed a granulocytic sarcoma in her left breast and haemotological features of acute myeloid leukaemia. Accurate initial diagnosis of granulocytic sarcoma in a non-leukaemic patient may reduce the risk of subsequent acute myeloid leukaemia if appropriate chemotherapy is begun in time.