leukaemia Flashcards
What are common malignancies in children?
Leukemia, Brain tumors, Lymphomas, Neuroblastomas, Wilm’s tumor
These cancers are significant in pediatric populations.
Define cancer.
A group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells.
What is a tumor?
A mass that can be benign (slow, non-invasive growth) or malignant (progressive).
What is the primary difference in cancer types between children and adults?
Most adult carcinomas are of epithelial origin, while children commonly have lymphomas and sarcomas of primitive embryonic origin.
Is routine screening recommended for childhood cancer?
No, routine screening is not recommended unless there is a genetic predisposition.
What percentage of childhood cancers is preventable compared to adult cancers?
Few preventive strategies exist for childhood cancers, unlike many adult cancers which are often preventable.
What is the cure rate for childhood cancers compared to adult cancers?
Less than 60% cure rate for adults; more than 70% cure rate for children.
What is the most common childhood malignancy in children under 15 years?
Leukemia.
What characterizes leukemia?
Abnormal, uncontrolled proliferation of white blood cells (WBCs).
What type of leukemia is most common in children?
Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL).
What are the two main types of leukemia in children?
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).
What factors are associated with an increased risk of leukemia?
- Chemical exposure (e.g., benzene)
- Chromosomal disorders
- Genetic predisposition (e.g., Down syndrome)
- Radiation exposure
What is the pathophysiology of leukemia?
A single lymphoid cell undergoes malignant transformation and proliferation, leading to the crowding out of normal blood cells.
What are common clinical manifestations of leukemia?
- Fever
- Bone pain
- Pallor
- Bruising
- Organ enlargement
- Weight loss
- Bone marrow suppression
What is the diagnostic evaluation for leukemia?
- Bone marrow aspirates
- Blast cells in peripheral blood
- Lumbar puncture for CNS involvement
- Chest X-ray for mediastinal mass
What is the goal of the induction phase in leukemia treatment?
To reduce the tumor to an undetectable level, achieving remission.
What happens during tumor lysis syndrome?
Purines are released, increasing uric acid, which can lead to renal failure.
How is tumor lysis syndrome prevented?
By alkalinizing urine and administering Allopurinol.
What is the second phase of leukemia treatment called?
Consolidation phase.
What is the aim of the maintenance phase in leukemia treatment?
To maintain control of leukemia with continued chemotherapy.
What are some other treatments for leukemia?
- Bone marrow transplantation
- High-protein, high-calorie diet
- IV fluids
- Oxygen therapy
- Radiation therapy
What are common nursing diagnoses for leukemia?
- Ineffective protection
- Acute or chronic pain
- Risk for infection
What are some nursing interventions for leukemia patients?
- Monitor vital signs
- Mouth care to prevent infection
- Inspect skin for breakdown
- Provide high-protein diet
What health education should be provided to leukemia patients?
- Avoiding infection
- Adjusting to body image changes
- Recognizing signs of infection
- Contacting support groups
