Chronic Lymphoblastic Leukaemia Flashcards
1
Q
COMMS: CLL
A
- Blood is made up of several components such as RBC which carry oxygen, white blood cells which fight infections and platelets which help the blood clot
- These particular blood cells are made in the bone marrow, a spongy material in the middle of many bones
- In blood cancers, some of these blood cells may excessively be produced and released in the blood stream
- In chronic leukaemia, these cancer cells are often more mature than those produced in acute leukaemia. This results in a slower progressing disease as the cells still can function a bit.
- CLL is thus named as the white cell affected are from a line of cells known as lymphoblasts, particularly B-Cells.
2
Q
What is the epidemiology/aetiology of CLL?
A
- Occur in older adults (> 60yrs)
- Almost always B-cells
3
Q
What are the symptoms of CLL?
A
- WEIGHT LOSS, FEVER, SWEATS
- Anaemia – generally feeling tired, SOB on exercise, weakness
- Bleeding and bruising = thrombocytopaenia
- Infection = leukopaenia
- Bone pain = as a result of bone marrow infiltration
- Abdominal discomfort - organ infiltrate
4
Q
What are the clinical signs of CLL?
A
OFTEN NONE
- Pallor
- Fever – due to infection
- Petechiae – purple spots (rupture small vessel)
- Lymphadenopathy – in lymphoblastic leukaemia
- Hepatosplenomegaly – in lymphoblastic leukaemia
5
Q
What are the investigations of CLL?
A
BLOODS
- Lymphocytosis
- Anemia
- Thrombocytopenia
- hypogammaglobulinaemia - recurrent infections
BLOOD FILM
-Smudged B Cells
BIOPSY
- Bone marrow + cytology
- Lymph node
OTHER
-Coombs test positive - haemolysis
6
Q
What is the management of CLL?
A
SUPPORTIVE
- Blood transfusions
- Antibiotics
CURATIVE
- Chlorambucil (chemo drug) +/- prednisolone
- Splenectomy
7
Q
What are the common complications of CLL?
A
- Increased risk 2nd malignancy
- Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
- Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
