ALL and AML

Question 1

ALL is?

Answer 1

Malignancy of B or T Lymphocytes causing proliferation of immature blast cells which cause marrow failure and tissue infiltration

genetic + environmental triggers
associated with Downs syndrome
Most common childhood cancer, very rare in adults

Question 2

Signs and symptoms of ALL

Answer 2

MARROW FAILURE 
= anaemia 
= thrombocytopenia (bleeding) 
= leukopenia (infection ) 
= hepatosplenomegaly (infiltration) 
= lymphadenopathy 
= CNS symptoms (meningism and nerver palsies)

Question 3

Investigations for ALL

Answer 3

Blood film = blast cells
bone marrow = blast cells
FBC = raised WBC, low Hb and low Plt
CXR and CT = looking for lymphadenopathy

Question 4

Management of ALL and Prognisis

Answer 4

Blood/platelet transfusion 
allopurinol = prevents tumour lysis syndrome 
febrile neutropenia = IV Abx 
Chemotherapy 
allogenic bone graft 

Prognosis:
up to 90% cure rates in children (40% adults)

Question 5

AML is?

Answer 5

Acute myeloid leukaemia is a rapidly progressive proliferation of myeloid cells - commonest leukaemia in adults and can be as a result of chemo and radiation

Question 6

AML is the same as ___?

Answer 6

ALL

• same Signs, same Ix, same management