Auer rods are typically found in the cells of which type of leukemia?

Auer rods are cytoplasmic inclusions that are found in myeloid cells and are indicative of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). These structures represent aggregates of abnormal granules in the cytoplasm of blast cells and serve as a morphological hallmark for differentiating AML from other forms of leukemia. In the context of acute myelogenous leukemia, the presence of Auer rods is associated with myeloid differentiation, confirming the diagnosis of this specific leukemia subtype.

In contrast, while acute lymphocytic leukemia primarily involves lymphoid cells and would not exhibit Auer rods, chronic myelogenous leukemia is characterized by an increase in myeloid lineage cells without the prevalence of Auer rods. Acute myelomonocytic leukemia typically includes myeloid and monocytoid features but is less specific for Auer rods than acute myelogenous leukemia. Thus, the correct association of Auer rods with acute myelogenous leukemia underscores the importance of recognizing these markers in the classification and diagnosis of hematologic malignancies.