Leukemia

Question 1

What is the cell origin of leukaemias?

Answer 1

Can be either MYELOID or LYMPHOID

Question 2

How can neoplastic cells be identified?

Answer 2

By their cell surface markers, ex. CLUSTER DEFINITION (CD)

Question 3

How do most haematological malignancies start?

Answer 3

Due to a DNA MUTATION - usually a TRANSLOCATION which leads to CLONAL PROLIFERATION.

• turns off tumor suppressor gene.
• turns on oncogene.

Question 4

What are the 3 main traits of cancer cells?

Answer 4

1. uncontrolled proliferation.
2. loss of apoptosis.
3. loss of normal functions/ products.

Question 5

Name the 4 different types of leukaemias and their cell origin.

Answer 5

Lymphoid origin:
- acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
- Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

Myeloid origin:
- acute myeloid leukaemia
- myeloproliferative disorders (chronic)

Question 6

What does acute vs chronic leukaemia denote?

Answer 6

denote CLINICAL BEHAVIOR.

Question 7

What is the difference between lymphoblastic and lymphocytic?

Answer 7

BLASTIC denotes IMMATURE cell hence more AGGRESIVE CANCER.

Question 8

What are leukaemias?

Answer 8

A group of cancers of the BONE MARROW which prevent NORMAL BLOOD MANUFACTURE

Question 9

What are 3 general symptoms leukaemias result in?

Answer 9

1. anemia
2. throbocytopenia/ bleeding
3. neutropenia/ infection.

Question 10

What are the steps to the pathogenis of leukaemias?

Answer 10

1. Clonal proliferation
2. Replacement of bone marrow
3. Marrow failure and organ infiltration.

Question 10

What are 6 symptoms/ clinical presentations of leukaemias?

Answer 10

1. Anemia
2. Bleeding/ thrombocytopenia.
3. Neutropenia.
4. Lymphadenopathy (although more common in lymphoma).
5. Bone pain (especially in children)
6. Splenomegaly/ hepatomegaly.

Question 11

What could a swollen abdomen in a patient with leukaemia suggest?

Answer 11

• Splenomegaly/ hepatomegaly.