Can leukemia present with specific skin lesions?

Yes. Although uncommon, skin infiltration with neoplastic leukemia cells can be a presenting finding and precede the leukemic phase of the disease by several months. This is most common with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Often, this phenomenon is preceded by a myelodysplastic or myeloproliferative syndrome. The skin lesions may present as red or purple papules, nodules, or plaques.

Aractingi S, Bachmeyer C, Miclea J, et al: Unusual specific cutaneous lesions in myelodysplastic syndromes, J Am Acad Dermatol 33:187–191, 1995.