WK 3B leukemia lymphomas and myelomas

What are leukemias?

Leukemias are cancers of the white blood cells.

What type of cancer is lymphoma?

Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphoid tissue.

What is myeloma?

Myeloma is a specific type of blood cancer, affecting plasma cells.

How are leukemias classified?

Leukemias are classified into acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

What is the main pathophysiological feature of leukemia?

The main feature is uncontrolled proliferation of white blood cells in the bone marrow.

Why is leukemia often a concern for family and friends?

Leukemia is common, affecting many people directly or indirectly through personal connections.

What are the main symptoms of leukemia?

Common symptoms include anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and potential leukocytosis.

What is the incidence of leukemia in the UK?

Around 10,000 people are diagnosed annually in the UK, making it the 12th most common cancer.

What increases the risk of developing leukemia?

Risk factors include previous chemotherapy, radiation exposure, certain genetic conditions, and environmental toxins.

What characterizes acute myeloid leukemia (AML)?

AML is characterized by more than 20% blast cells in the blood or bone marrow.

What defines acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)?

ALL is defined as uncontrolled proliferation of lymphoblasts with greater than 20% blast cells.

What characterizes chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)?

CML involves a significant number of mature white blood cells and typically has less than 20% blast cells.

What is chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)?

CLL is characterized by the accumulation of mature lymphocytes in the blood, usually with less than 20% blast cells.

What is the role of proto-oncogenes in cell proliferation?

Proto-oncogenes promote normal cell growth and division.

What happens when proto-oncogenes mutate?

They can become oncogenes, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation.

What is the function of tumor suppressor genes?

Tumor suppressor genes inhibit cell growth and division.

What occurs when tumor suppressor genes are mutated?

Their function is lost, allowing for uncontrolled cell division.

What are the key signs of anemia in leukemia?

Signs include tiredness, pallor, shortness of breath, and tachycardia.

What causes neutropenia in leukemia?

Neutropenia occurs due to overcrowding of the bone marrow, limiting the production of mature neutrophils.

Why do leukemia patients experience fever and malaise?

These symptoms arise from the body's response to inflammation and increased metabolic activity.

What are the diagnostic methods for leukemia?

Diagnosis typically includes blood tests, bone marrow biopsies, and examination of blast cells.

What is remission in the context of leukemia?

Remission is the reduction of blast cell counts to below 5% in the blood or bone marrow.

What is a common treatment method for leukemia?

Common treatments include chemotherapy and, in some cases, stem cell transplantation.

How does the prognosis of leukemia vary with age?

Younger patients generally have a better prognosis compared to older patients.

What is the significance of the Philadelphia chromosome?

The Philadelphia chromosome indicates a mutation associated with chronic myeloid leukemia.

What symptoms are associated with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)?

Symptoms may include fatigue, fever, night sweats, and splenomegaly.

What characterizes multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is characterized by the proliferation of abnormal plasma cells producing paraproteins.

What is a common complication associated with multiple myeloma?

Complications can include bone pain, hypercalcemia, and kidney failure.

What is the treatment goal for patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma?

The goal is often pain management and maintaining quality of life.

What is the typical age range for Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Hodgkin's lymphoma commonly affects individuals between ages 15-35 and those over 50.

What distinguishes Hodgkin's lymphoma from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Hodgkin's lymphoma has Reed-Sternberg cells, while non-Hodgkin's does not.

What are the typical symptoms of Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Symptoms often include asymmetrical painless lymphadenopathy, fever, night sweats, and weight loss.

What is the prognosis for Hodgkin's lymphoma?

The prognosis is generally good, with about 80-90% survival at 10 years.

What type of symptoms are associated with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma symptoms can include painless lymphadenopathy, fevers, and weight loss.

How can non-Hodgkin's lymphoma be treated?

Treatment may involve chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and sometimes stem cell transplant.

What role do immunotherapies play in leukemia treatment?

Immunotherapies aim to enhance the immune response against cancer cells.

What is the five-year survival rate for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)?

The five-year survival rate for CLL is about 70%.

Why is treatment often delayed in elderly patients with CLL?

In elderly patients, doctors often choose a 'watch and wait' approach due to the low severity of symptoms.

What role does genetic testing play in CML diagnosis?

Genetic testing can identify the Philadelphia chromosome, which is indicative of CML.

What is the main focus of treatment for multiple myeloma patients?

The main focus is often on managing pain and maintaining comfort.

How is anemia characterized in leukemia patients?

Typically normocytic and normochromic due to crowding in the bone marrow.

What are excessive white blood cells in CML referred to as?

Leukostasis, which can cause clumping of the white blood cells in circulation.

What specific proteins are associated with myeloma diagnosis?

Paraproteins or Bence Jones proteins in urine.

Why is patient management crucial in leukemia and myeloma?

Effective management is essential to maintain quality of life and address complications.

What influences the treatment decision for leukemias?

Factors include the type of leukemia, patient age, and overall health.

How are leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma defined and differentiated?

Leukemia is cancer of the white blood cells; lymphoma is cancer of lymphoid tissue; and myeloma affects plasma cells.

What are the main types of leukemia and how are they differentiated?

The main types are acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), differentiated by cell maturity and disease progression.

How are lymphomas classified and differentiated?

Lymphomas are classified as Hodgkin's lymphoma (characterized by Reed-Sternberg cells) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (lacking Reed-Sternberg cells), differing in their cellular pathology and clinical behavior.

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What defines myeloma?

Myeloma is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal plasma cells that produce paraproteins. It primarily affects the bone marrow, leading to symptoms like bone pain, hypercalcemia, and kidney dysfunction.

When is chemotherapy used in hematologic cancers?

Chemotherapy is a primary treatment method for various types of leukemia (e.g., AML, ALL, CML, CLL) and lymphoma (e.g., non-Hodgkin's lymphoma) to target and reduce cancer cells, typically used when the cancer is diagnosed at an advanced stage, or to manage symptoms, and may also be utilized post-remission to prevent recurrence.

How do blood tests help differentiate types of leukemia?

Blood tests differentiate leukemia types by assessing factors such as the percentage of blast cells, the presence of specific mature or immature white blood cells (e.g., lymphoblasts, mature lymphocytes), and overall cell counts in the blood, often alongside bone marrow biopsies.

common symptoms of acute leukemia

• pallor, shortness of breath, and tachycardia.

• Thrombocytopenia: Easy bruising and bleeding.

• Neutropenia: Recurrent infections, fever, and malaise.

• Other signs may include bone pain, lymphadenopathy, and hepatosplenomegaly due to widespread infiltration of blast cells and build up of rapid dividing of leukemia cells

hepatosplenomegaly - is the simultaneous enlargement of both the liver (hepatomegaly) and the spleen (splenomegaly)