Green tumors, also known as granulocytic sarcomas, are seen in acute granulocytic leukemia and are a specific manifestation of leukemia cells invading outside the bone marrow. The name is derived from the fact that naïve granulocytes are rich in substances called myeloperoxidase (MPO), and when these accumulate at a site they form a neoplasm that gives them a green color on the surface.
Green tumors most often involve the periosteum, especially the orbit, causing protrusion of the eye, diplopia, or blindness.
Dr. Xin Li, Department of Hematology, Shanghai Renji Hospital South Hospital, also contributed to this Q&A