Leukaemia Flashcards
1
Q
What is leukaemia?
A
Cancer of white blood cells
2
Q
How can leukaemia arise?
A
- DNA Mutation
- Switching ‘off’ of tumour suppressor gene
- Abnormal functions of WBC (uncontrolled proliferation, failed apoptosis)
3
Q
What are the 2 types of leukaemia?
A
- Acute (progresses fast)
- Chronic (slow progression)
- Acute leukaemia is serious and life-threatening*
4
Q
What can leukaemia result in?
A
- Anaemia
- Infection (neutropenia)
- Bleeding (Thrombocytopenia)
5
Q
What are some clinical presentations of leukaemia?
A
- Anaemia
- Neutropenia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Lymphadenopathy (neck lumps)
- Splenomegaly/Hepatomegaly (swollen spleen/liver)
- Bone pain (especially in children)
