Hematology Vocabulary

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from a hematology lecture.

Anemia

Oxygen-carrying capacity of blood is reduced due to issues with RBCs, Hemoglobin, or both.

Leukemia

Malignant disorder affecting WBCs, characterized by unregulated proliferation of immature leukocytes.

Thrombocytopenia

Deficiency of platelets in the blood, leading to an increased risk of bleeding.

Oncogenes

Mutated proto-oncogenes that drive unregulated cell growth.

Tumor suppressor genes

Genes that, when inactivated, allow unchecked proliferation.

Pancytopenia

A condition characterized by fatigue, fever, and recurrent nosebleeds, often associated with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL).

Fatigue

Hallmark sign of anemia.

CBC (Complete Blood Count)

Key diagnostic test in hematology, including Hgb, HCTZ, RBC, WBC, and Platelet count.

Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy

Essential for diagnosing leukemias, lymphomas, and marrow failure syndromes.

Chemotherapy

Used in leukemia and lymphoma, this treatment eradicates malignant cells but can cause myelosuppression.

Bone Marrow/Stem cell transplant (BMT/SCT)

Replaces diseased marrow, can use autologous cells.

Immunotherapy

Monoclonal antibodies, such as rituximab.