16 wbc disorder

Question 1

Two major types of WBC cancers or neoplasms

Answer 1

Lymphoid

myeloid

Question 2

Lymphoid

Answer 2

results from B & T lymphocyte precursor cells

Question 3

myeloid

Answer 3

results from malignant transformation of precursor cells

of granulocytic WBC’s, monocytes, RBC’s, & platelets

Question 4

Alterations of leukocytes and lymphoid function

Answer 4

1. Infectious mononucleosis
2. Leukaemia
3. Leukopaenia
4. Lymphadenopathy

Question 5

4. Lymphadenopathy

Answer 5

Lymphomas
oHodgkin’s Disease
oNon Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Multiple Myeloma

Question 6

1. Infectious Mononucleosis

Answer 6

◦Non-cancerous WBC disorder
◦Highest incidence between 15-25 years of age
◦Caused by virus in saliva
◦ Symptoms include fever, severe fatigue, sore throat, rash, and
enlargement of lymph nodes and spleen
◦Generally self-limited and resolves without complications in about
4 to 6 weeks

Question 7

Leukaemia

Answer 7

proliferation of immature wbc

bone marrow failure

Question 8

Leukaemia: classification

Answer 8

A malignant disorder of blood and blood forming organs that causes proliferation of
immature, undifferentiated cells (blast cells) which suppress the function of other b

Question 9

Leukaemia

 Chronic vs Acute

Answer 9

Depends on cell maturity and nature of disease onset ◦ Chronic: Mature WBCs, onset is more gradual, oral treatment or watch & wait ◦ Acute: Clonal proliferation of immature haematopoietic cells, fatal if untreated

Question 10

Name of leukaemia is based on type of WBC

Answer 10

◦ Acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL)  Most common type of leukaemia in children
◦ Acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML) ◦ Chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML

Question 11

Leukaemia: risk factor

Answer 11

 Sometimes exact cause unknown
 Genetic
 An increased incidence in association with other hereditary disease
(Eg, Downs Syndrome, Trisomy 13)
 Increased risk with some immune deficiencies
 Increased risk with exposure to environmental factors (benzene, cigarette smoke,
radiation, Hep C virus)

Question 12

Leukaemia: signs and symptoms

Answer 12

 Anaemia – fatigue, pallor, SOB
 Decreased number/function of WBCs – recurrent infection
 Thrombocytopenia - bleeding (purpura, ecchymosis, petechiae)
 Weight loss, night sweats, pain, changes in taste
 Leukaemic cells may infiltrate organs and lead to splenomegaly
and hepatomegaly, lymphadenopathy, bone pain, meningeal
irritation, oral lesions, solid masses
 Leukostasis
 Life-threatening complication
 Caused by a high leukaemic white cell count in the peripheral blood
 Blood thickens and blocks circulatory pathways.

Question 13

Leukaemia: Diagnosis & classification

Answer 13

◦ Pathology: FBC

◦ Bone marrow examination

Question 14

To identify cell types and stage

Answer 14

◦ Morphologic, histochemical, immunologic, and

cytogenic methods

Question 15

 To determine the presence of leukaemic cells

outside of the blood and bone marrow

Answer 15

◦ Lumbar puncture

◦ CT scan

Question 16

Multidisciplinary Care

 Initial goal is to attain remission. leukeamia

Answer 16

oChemotherapy
oSupportive measures
Blood and platelet transfusions
Antibiotics
Antifungal/viral preparations
Corticosteroids
Radiation therapy
Total body irradiation in preparation for bone marrow transplant
Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant