Malignancy Introduction Flashcards
How are mature non-lymphoid cells identified?
Morphology (i.e. blood count and film)
Though morphology is mainly used to identify mature non-lymphoid cells, what are some other options that can be used?
Cell surface antigens and enzyme expression
Glycophorin A antigen on a cell suggests which type of cell?
Erythrocyte
Myeloperoxidase enzyme expression on a cell suggests what type of cell?
Neutrophils
Stem cells and early progenitors cannot be identified by morphology. What is done instead?
Immunophenotyping for cell surface antigens
What normally characterises malignant haemopoiesis?
Increased numbers of abnormal and dysfunctional cells, with loss of normal activity
In malignant haemopoiesis, there is loss of normal activity. An example of this would be abnormal haemopoiesis - what type of tumour would generally cause this and where would it be found?
Acute leukaemia, in the bone marrow
In malignant haemopoiesis, there is loss of normal activity. An example of this would be abnormal immune function - what type of tumour would generally cause this and where would it be found?
Certain lymphomas, in the lymph nodes
Abnormalities in malignant haemopoiesis are due to one or more of what 4 causes?
Increased proliferation, lack of differentiation, maturation or apoptosis
Describe the abnormality in haemopoiesis which is seen in acute leukaemias?
Proliferation of abnormal progenitors with a block in further differentiation/maturation
How will the cells in acute myeloid leukaemia look and why?
They will all look the same since there is no differentiation
Describe the abnormality in haemopoiesis which is seen in chronic leukaemias?
Proliferation of abnormal progenitors, but no block in differentiation or maturation
What is the main cause of haematological malignancies?
Genetic, epigenetic and environmental interaction
What is a clone?
A population of cells which have derived from a single parent cell
Describe the clonage in a) normal haemopoiesis? b) abnormal haemopoiesis?
a) polyclonal b) monoclonal
Types of haematological malignancy can be based on lineage. What are the two broad types?
Myeloid and lymphoid
Types of haematological malignancy can be based on the developmental stage within the lineage. Give an example of the cancer that would arise at each stage: a) pro-B cell? b) B cell? c) plasma cell?
a) acute lymphoblastic leukaemia b) chronic lymphocytic leukaemia c) myeloma
What is a myeloma?
Plasma cell malignancy in the marrow
Types of haematological malignancy can be based on the anatomical site involved. Where are each of the following types of cancers found: a) leukaemias? b) lymphomas?
a) blood b) lymph nodes
What is a type of malignancy which can involve the blood and bone marrow? This is why it is important to check what blood test in someone presenting with lymphadenopathy?
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia / FBC
What is significant about acute leukaemias/high grade lymphomas compared with chronic leukaemias/low grade lymphomas?
They are more histologically and clinically aggressive
What are some features of histological aggression?
Large cells with a high nuclear: cytoplasmic ratio, prominent nucleoli, rapid proliferation, open chromatin
What is the main feature of clinical aggression?
Rapid progression of symptoms
Which type of cancers present with failure of normal bone marrow function?
Acute leukaemias
