Haematological malignancies Flashcards
Define lymphoma
haematological malignancies of lymphoid lineage (cancers of lymph nodes)
Lymphoma presentation
(painless) swelling(s)
+/- B symptoms
splenomegaly
symptoms related to cytopenias (eg. anaemia, infections)
symptoms related to lumps in/compressing important structures
pruritis (normally Hodgkin’s)
What are the B symptoms?
night sweats (drenching)
fevers (unexplained)
weight loss (unintentional, 10% in 6 months)
Characteristics of high grade lymphomas
short history
grows quickly
patient usually symptomatic
treatment always required immediately
potentially curable
treatment = intensive chemotherapy
Characteristics of low grade lymphomas
longer or ‘no’ history
grows slowly
often asymptomatic
treatment often not required (watch + wait)
lifelong illness
treatment = less intensive chemotherapy
How is lymphoma diagnosed?
biopsy of lump
- core biopsy or whole node excision
- NOT fine needle aspirate (FNA)
Describe Burkitt lymphoma
subtype high grade lymphoma
very rapidly growing subtype of high grade B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma
t(8;14)
Endemic Burkitt Lymphoma associated with EBV infection
Describe Hodgkin lymphoma
high grade lymphoma
young adults + >60s
males>females
mediastinal mass common
associated with EBV
lymph node pain when drinking alcohol
good prognosis
What cells would be present in Hodgkin Lymphoma?
Reed-Sternberg cells (large, abnormal lymphocytes >1 nucleus)
Describe CLL
chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
mature lymphocytes
>70
normally slowly progressive treat only if symptomatic
no cure
Presentation of CLL
usually incidental lymphocytosis on FBC
may have:
- lymphadenopathy +/- splenomegaly
- marrow failure symptoms (anaemia/thrombocytopenia)
- B symptoms
What is the diagnosis of lymphadenopathy and no lymphocytosis?
small lymphocytic leukaemia (SLL)
- low grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
How is a diagnosis of CLL made?
FBC (lymphocytosis)
blood film (smear/smudge cells)
Immunophenotyping for confirmation
When would you treat CLL?
bulk disease
disease obstructing major organ
bone marrow failure
B symptoms
if not, ‘watch + wait’
CLL treatments
monoclonal antibody + chemotherapy
B-cell signalling inhibitors