Leukaemia Flashcards
What is leukaemia
Cancer of the wbcs
What are the four main types of leukaemia
- acute myeloid AML
- acute lymphoblastic ALL
- chronic myeloid CML
- chronic lymphoid CLL
What is a lymphoma
Cancer of lymphoid tissues
What are the two types of lymphoma
- hodgkins
- non hodgkins
What is myeloma
Cancer of clonal plasma cells in the bone marrow ( b cells)
What mutations cause cancer
Mutation of the proto- oncogenes (faster development) and mutation of tumour suppressor genes
What is incidence
The rate of new cases in a given time
What is prevalence
Number of people with the condition
What are some known causes of leukaemia
- previous chemotherapy
- radiation
- benzene or formaldehyde exposure
- genetic conditions such as downs
- myelodysplasia - abonormal development of myeloid cells
What are symptoms/ signs of AML
- acute illness
- fever, sweats
- anaemia symptoms
- neutropenia- infections
- thrombocytopenia- bleeding
How can a blood test show AML
- over production of myeloid blast cells resulting in over crowding in bone marrow which leads to:
- abnormal wbc count
- anaemia
- thrombocytopenia
- blasts in peripheral blood film
- wbcs are MPO positive
What is the prognosis of AML
Complete remission - 80-90%
Cure rates - 45%
In older patients there is 5 year survival rates
What causes ALL
Uncontrolled proliferation of lymphoid stem cell resulting in large numbers of abnormal lymphoblasts in the bone marrow
What are signs and symptoms of ALL
- starts abruptly
- bone and joint pain
- symptoms of bone marrow failure
- ## enlarged lymph nodes
How can a blood test show ALL
- over production of lymphoid blast cells
- anaemia
- WBCS are MPO negative
What is the prognosis for ALL
Majority of children are curable, cure in adults is less frequent
What is chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML)
Uncontrolled proliferation of myeloid stem cell resulting in large numbers of circulating leukocytes, particularly neutrophils
Who is more likely to get CML
65-85 year olds. More males than females
What are symptoms of CML
Fatigue
Weight loss
Sensation of fullness
Bruising
Clumping of leukocytes
How does a blood test show CML
Over production of myeloid cells
High WBC count
Increase in basophils
Anameia
Playlet count increase
Increased LDH and urate
What is the prognosis for CML
50% 5 year survival
What is chronic lymphoid leukaemia (CLL)
Uncontrolled clonal proliferation of B- lymphocytes
What are symptoms of CLL
Enlargement of lymph nodes
May have anaemia
Bacterial infections early on
Viral/fungal infections later on
Weight loss
Slothful
How does a blood test show CLL
Over production of lymphocytes
70-99% of WBCs appear small and round
Smear cells
Anaemia
What is the prognosis for CLL
70% 5 year survival rate
What is a lymphoma
Cancer of lymphoid tissue
What are lymphoid tissues
Spleen
Lymph nodes
Tonsils
Adenoids
Thymus
What is Hodgkin’s lymphoma and the % of occurrence
B- lymphocytes, 40%
What is non-hodgkins lymphoma and it’s % of occurrence
Either T or B lymphocytes, 60%
What is Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Malignant B-cells that accumulate in the lymph nodes.
Who is likely to get Hodgkin’s lymphoma
15-35,50+ years old
More males than female
What are the symptoms for Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Asymmetrical and painless swollen lymp nodes
Enlarged spleen
Fever
Night sweats
How does a blood test show Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Anaemia
High eosinophils count
Normal or increased playlet count in early stage
Lymph node biopsy to diagnose
What is non Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Large group of lymphoid tumours and more variable presentation
Who is more likely to get non Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Increased risk with age
What are symptoms of non Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Asymmetrical painless swollen lymph nodes
Less fever than hodgkins
Sore throat
Anaemia
Acute abdominal symptoms due to spleen/liver enlargement
How does a blood test show non-hodgkins lymphoma
Anaemia
Cytogenetics
What is multiple myeloma
Cancer of clonal plasma cells in the bone marrow (b cells)
What are symptoms of multiple myeloma
Bone pain
Symptoms of anaemia
Renal failure
How does a blood test show multiple myeloma
Overcrowding in bone marrow
Increased plasma in bone marrow
Presence of para protein in urine
Anaemia
Reduction in blood cells
