WBC Disorders

Question 1

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)

Answer 1

The leukocyte presursor cell is of the myelogenous line; more common in middle aged individuals

• -> Immature WBCs; not functional (blast cells)
• -> Acute = blast cells

Question 2

Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)

Answer 2

Commonly associated w/ a specific chromosomal translocation (Philadelphia chromosome); involves the exchange of chromosomal materials b/w chromosomes 9 and 22; more common in middle-aged to older adults
–> Chronic = mature cells do not function well

Question 3

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

Answer 3

Usually the result of malignant transformation of B cells caused by failure of apoptosis; occurs primarily in the elderly; NOT associated w/ the Philadelphia chromosome mutation
–> Chronic = mature cells do not function well

Question 4

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)

Answer 4

The leukocyte precursor cell is of the lymphocytic B cell line; more common in children
–> Immature WBCs not functional (blast cells)

Question 5

A malignancy of lymphocytes that progress from one group of lymph nodes to another. Males are affected more than females. These malignant cells have a characteristic appearance and are called Reed-Sternberg cells.

Answer 5

Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Question 6

Used to describe a wide spectrum of lymphoid malignancies other than Hodgkin disease. These cancers lack Reed-Sternberg cells. It is a disease of middle age, usually in individuals over 50 years old
–> Viral/bacterial infections, autoimmune disorders

Answer 6

Non-Hodgkin’s

Question 7

Epstein Barr Virus; a B cell tumor associated by the Epstein-Barr virus. In the U.S., this lymphoma primarily affects the abdomen and rapidly invades the bone marrow. However, the vast majority of Burkitt lymphoma is seen in east-central African and New Guinea children.
–> Most often presents with a facial mass around the jaw and may respond to chemotherapy and radiation

Answer 7

Burkitt’s Lymphoma

Question 8

A neooplastic proliferation of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow. It is the most common of primary malignant tumors of the skeleton. The tumors may be solitary or multifocal
–> 50/60 y/o; –> B cell cancer from malignant plasma cells, infiltrate and destroy bone marrow

Answer 8

Multiple myeloma

Question 9

Acute infection of B lymphocytes; infection most common in adolescents and young adults and transmitted in mucosal secretions (salivary, genitourinary, rectal, and pulmonic secretions). In most cases, infection of the upper respiratory tract leads to widespread activation of T and B cells, with resultant adenopathy that progresses to splenomegaly and hepatomegaly

Answer 9

Mononucleosis-Epistein Barr Virus