Leukaemia

Question 1

what are the 4 types of leukaemia?

Answer 1

acute myeloid leukaemia
acute lymphoid leukaemia
chronic myeloid leukaemia
chronic lymphoid leukaemia

Question 2

what is the difference between chronic and acute leukaemia?

Answer 2

acute = precursor cells, more aggressive cancer (malignant manner)
chronic = mature cells, less aggressive cancer (benign manner)

Question 3

what is the most common cancer in the 15-24 y/o age group?

Answer 3

leukaemia

Question 4

in what age group is leukaemia the most common cause of death from cancer?

Answer 4

1 - 34 y/o

Question 5

what is leukaemia?

Answer 5

cancer of the cells in blood

proliferation of partially developed blood cells (WBC, RBC, platelets)

Question 6

which cells are affected in acute leukaemia?

Answer 6

proliferation of precursor cells (blast cells) in bone marrow leads to disrupted development of healthy WBC, RBC and platelets

Question 7

what is a major risk factor for acute leukaemia?

Answer 7

Down’s syndrome

Question 8

what are some clinical features of acute leukaemia?

Answer 8

abrupt onset, fast progression
fatigue (anaemia)
easy bleeding (thrombocytopenia)
increased infections (leukopenia)
pain and tender bones
pain in lymph nodes
abdo fullness (hepatosplenomegaly)

Question 9

which cells are affected in chronic leukaemia?

Answer 9

proliferation of premature cells (granulocytes, monocytes, premature b cells) in bone marrow leads to disrupted development of healthy WBC, RBC and platelets

Question 10

what are some clinical features of chronic leukaemia?

Answer 10

slow onset, slow progression
fatigue (anaemia)
easy bleeding (thrombocytopenia)
increased infections (leukopenia)
pain and tender bones
pain in lymph nodes
abdo fullness (hepatosplenomegaly)

Question 11

how is leukaemia diagnosed?

Answer 11

peripheral blood smear, and bone marrow biopsy

Question 12

which type of leukaemia is most common in children?

Answer 12

acute lymphoid leukaemia

Question 13

which type of leukaemia is most common in adults?

Answer 13

acute myeloid leukaemia