Leukaemia Flashcards
What are the steps in normal haemopoesis?
self renewal proliferation differentiation maturation apoptosis
What happens in malignant haemopoesis?
increased numbers of dysfunctional cells due to 1 or more of: increased proliferation lack of differentiation lack of maturation lack of apoptosis
What is acute leukaemia?
rapidly progressive clonal malignancy of blood
cell maturation defects
What are the 2 acute leukaemias?
acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
acute myeloid leukaemia
Which leukaemia is the most common in children?
ALL
What symptoms do you see in ALL?
symptoms of marrow failure: anaemia, infection, bleeding
CNS involvement
bone pain
What is ALL?
malignant disease of primitive lymphocytes
uncontrolled proliferation of immature blast cells
What symptoms do you see in AML?
marrow failure: anaemia, infection, bleeding
infiltration: hepatosplenomegaly, gum hypertrophy
What do you see on blood film in AML?
Auer rods
What investigations do you do for acute leukaemia?
blood count and film - pancytopenia, Auer rods
coagulation screen - DIC
bone marrow aspirate
immunophenotyping
What is the treatment of ALL and AML?
chemotherapy
stem cell transplantation
What needs to be done for a definitive diagnosis in acute leukaemia?
immunophenotyping
What are the 2 chronic leukaemias?
chronic myeloid leukaemia (myeloproliferative disorder flashcards)
chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
