Childhood Cancer: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia Flashcards

1
Q

What are haematological cancers?

A

cancers affecting the blood, bone marrow and lymph nodes

  • leukaemia
  • lymphoma
  • myeloma
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are the most common types of solid tumours in children?

A
  • brain tumours
  • neuroblastoma
  • rhabdomyosarcoma
  • Wilm’s tumour
  • osteosarcoma
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What is the most common type of cancer in children in the UK?

A

leukaemia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the most common type of leukaemia diagnosed in children?

A

acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Describe the process of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

A
  • bone marrow produces too many lymphoid blast cells
    • immature
    • unable to become normal lymphocytes
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are the two types of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia?

A
  • T cell
  • B cell
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Where do lymphoblasts tend to spread in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia?

A
  • lymph nosed
  • liver
  • spleen
  • central nervous system
  • testicles
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are the symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

A
  • breathlessness, pale appearance, fatigue
    • tired even after a good nights sleep
  • bruising or bleeding easily for no reason
    • nosebleeds
    • bleeding gums
    • small dark red spots on skin
    • blood in poo
    • very heavy periods
    • due to lack of platelets
  • high temperature or picking up infections
    • coughs and colds
    • infections lasting a long time
    • fever
  • swollen lymph nodes
    • neck
    • armpit
    • groin
  • irritability
    • fractious
    • difficult to settle
  • bone pain
    • limping or refusing to walk
    • most commonly in long bones
    • can affect the back and joints
  • loss of appetite
    • eating smaller amounts than usual
    • won’t eat favourite foods
  • fullness in tummy
    • discomfort
    • jump a clothes size
    • due to swollen liver or spleen
  • swollen testicles
    • leukaemia cells collect
    • not usually painful
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What teams make up the multi-disciplinary team for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia?

A
  • paediatric oncologist
  • paediatric haematologist
  • paediatric dentist
  • GP
  • paediatric cancer nurse specialists
  • play specialists
  • psychologists
  • social workers
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are the treatment options for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia management?

A
  • chemotherapy
  • stem cell transplant
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Describe how chemotherapy is used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

A
  • a number of different chemotherapy agents
    • treatment protocols strictly followed
  • 3 phases of treatment
    • induction
    • consolidation
    • maintenance
  • results in immunosuppression and deranged blood profiles
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Describe how stem cell transplant or bone marrow transplant can be used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

A
  • chemotherapy and radiotherapy
    • eliminate host immune system
  • transplant of health stem cells/bone marrow
  • results in immunosuppression and deranged blood profiles
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What oral problems must be considered for patients receiving treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia?

A
  • increased infection risk
    • during treatment
  • oral and pharyngeal mucositis
    • associated pain and bleeding
    • taste dysfunction
  • dry mouth
    • salivary gland dysfunction
  • increased caries rate
  • gingival hyperplasia and bleeding gums
  • ORN and MRONJ
  • trismus
  • opportunistic infections
    • candidiasis
    • herpes simplex
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What considerations must be made for dental treatment for patients undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia?

A
  • prioritise prevention
  • timing of appointments
    • around cancer treatment
  • immunosuppression and bleeding risk
  • anxiety
  • fatigue with care
  • aggressive treatment planning with regards to infection risk
  • wider social and familial circumstances
  • dental care for family
    • is it a priority?
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly