Occult Hematopoietic Malignancies: Pathophysiology, Clinical Presentation, and Prognostic Implications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.67224/ioasdjmps.2026.v03i02.004Keywords:
occult hematopoietic malignancy, minimal residual disease, bone marrow microenvironment, diagnostic biomarkers, prognostic outcomeAbstract
Occult hematopoietic malignancies are a subset of blood cancers that evade conventional diagnostic methods, often presenting with minimal or non-specific clinical features. These hidden neoplasms, including early-stage leukemias and lymphomas, pose significant challenges due to their potential for rapid progression and transformation into aggressive disease. Advances in molecular diagnostics, immunophenotyping, and imaging have improved detection of subclinical malignancies, revealing complex interactions between malignant clones and the bone marrow microenvironment. This narrative review synthesizes current insights into the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and prognostic implications of occult hematopoietic malignancies. Emphasis is placed on emerging diagnostic strategies, risk stratification, and the clinical significance of early detection in guiding therapeutic decisions and improving patient outcomes.
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