Leukemias Flashcards
What is leukemia?
Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow.
True or False: Leukemia primarily affects red blood cells.
False: Leukemia primarily affects white blood cells.
What are the two main categories of leukemia?
Acute and chronic leukemia.
Fill in the blank: Acute __________ leukemia progresses rapidly and requires immediate treatment.
myeloid
What type of cells do lymphocytic leukemias affect?
They affect lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.
Name one common symptom of leukemia.
Fatigue, frequent infections, or easy bruising.
What is the primary method used to diagnose leukemia?
Blood tests and bone marrow biopsies.
True or False: Chronic leukemia develops more quickly than acute leukemia.
False: Chronic leukemia develops more slowly than acute leukemia.
Which type of leukemia is most common in children?
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
What is the role of stem cells in leukemia?
Leukemia originates from abnormal blood stem cells in the bone marrow.
Fill in the blank: __________ leukemia is characterized by the overproduction of immature white blood cells.
Acute
What are some risk factors associated with leukemia?
Genetic disorders, exposure to radiation, and certain chemicals.
What does the term ‘remission’ mean in the context of leukemia?
A state where the signs and symptoms of leukemia are reduced or absent.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a type of leukemia? A) AML B) CLL C) HCL D) MCL
D) MCL
What is the typical treatment for acute leukemia?
Chemotherapy and sometimes radiation therapy or stem cell transplant.
True or False: Leukemia can be cured in all cases.
False: Not all cases of leukemia can be cured.
What is the function of white blood cells?
To help the body fight infections and diseases.
Fill in the blank: __________ is a type of leukemia that affects older adults and progresses slowly.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
What is the significance of the Philadelphia chromosome in leukemia?
It is a genetic abnormality associated with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
Name one potential side effect of leukemia treatment.
Nausea, hair loss, or increased risk of infections.
What is the survival rate for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)?
Approximately 90% with current treatments.
True or False: All leukemias are treated the same way.
False: Treatment varies depending on the type and stage of leukemia.
What is the purpose of a bone marrow biopsy?
To examine the bone marrow for the presence of abnormal cells.
Fill in the blank: __________ is often used in combination with chemotherapy to treat leukemia.
Targeted therapy
What is myelodysplastic syndrome?
A group of disorders caused by poorly formed or dysfunctional blood cells, which can lead to leukemia.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a common treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)? A) Radiation B) Targeted therapy C) Surgery D) Immunotherapy
B) Targeted therapy
What is the main goal of leukemia treatment?
To eliminate cancerous cells and restore normal blood cell production.
True or False: Genetic testing can help determine the best treatment for leukemia.
True.
What are leukemic blasts?
Immature white blood cells that proliferate in leukemia.
Fill in the blank: __________ is a common diagnostic test that assesses the blood cell count and overall health.
Complete blood count (CBC)
What is the function of chemotherapy in leukemia treatment?
To kill cancer cells or stop their growth.
Multiple Choice: Which leukemia is characterized by the presence of the BCR-ABL gene fusion? A) ALL B) CML C) AML D) CLL
B) CML
What is the prognosis for adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML)?
It varies widely; overall survival rates are lower than for children.
True or False: Leukemia can only occur in adults.
False: Leukemia can occur in both children and adults.
What is the significance of monitoring blood counts during leukemia treatment?
To assess the effectiveness of treatment and detect any complications.
Fill in the blank: __________ is a treatment approach that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
Immunotherapy
What role do platelets play in the blood?
They help with blood clotting.
What is the main difference between acute and chronic leukemia?
Acute leukemia is characterized by the rapid increase of immature cells, while chronic leukemia involves more mature cells that grow slowly.
True or False: Radiation therapy is commonly used as the first treatment for leukemia.
False: Chemotherapy is typically the first-line treatment.
What is the purpose of a lumbar puncture in leukemia patients?
To check for leukemia cells in the cerebrospinal fluid.
Fill in the blank: __________ is a blood disorder that can increase the risk of developing leukemia.
Aplastic anemia
What is the role of supportive care in leukemia treatment?
To manage symptoms and side effects of treatment.
What are some common complications of leukemia?
Infections, bleeding, and anemia.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a hallmark symptom of leukemia? A) Weight gain B) Night sweats C) Increased appetite D) Skin rash
B) Night sweats
What is the importance of follow-up care after leukemia treatment?
To monitor for recurrence and manage long-term effects.
True or False: All patients with leukemia will require a stem cell transplant.
False: Not all patients require a stem cell transplant.
What does FAB stand for in the context of ALL classification?
French-American-British
What is the primary purpose of the FAB classification?
To categorize different types of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) based on morphological and cytochemical features.