Leukemia

Leukemia

A group of cancers affecting the blood and blood-forming tissues of the bone marrow, lymph system, and spleen.

Acute Leukemia

Characterized by a rapid proliferation of immature hematopoietic cells and aggressive disease onset.

Chronic Leukemia

Involves more mature white blood cells with a gradual disease onset.

Philadelphia Chromosome

A genetic abnormality present in about 98% of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), serving as a diagnostic hallmark.

Myelogenous Leukemia

A type of leukemia originating from myeloid cells, affecting granulocyte and monocyte lineage.

Lymphocytic Leukemia

A type of leukemia originating from lymphoid cells, affecting the lymphocyte lineage.

Thrombocytopenia

A condition characterized by abnormally low levels of platelets in the blood, which increases the risk of bleeding.

Neutropenia

A reduction in the number of neutrophils, leading to an increased risk of infection.

Bone Marrow Failure

A condition in which the bone marrow doesn't produce enough blood cells, often due to overcrowding by abnormal cells in leukemia.

CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia)

The most common leukemia in adults in the US, characterized by the accumulation of functionally inactive small mature lymphocytes.

CML (Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia)

A type of leukemia marked by excessive development of neoplastic granulocytes in the bone marrow.

Leukapheresis

A medical procedure used to reduce white blood cell count in patients with very high counts.

Physical Assessment

A systematic evaluation of a patient's health status, including both subjective and objective data.

Clinical Manifestations of Leukemia

Symptoms of leukemia including bone pain, enlarged spleen, liver, and lymph nodes, and potential for infections and bleeding.

Prognosis

The likely outcome or course of a disease, often influenced by patient factors and treatment responses.

Watchful Waiting

A strategy involving close monitoring of a patient's condition without immediate treatment, often applied in early stages of CLL.

Supportive Care

Treatment aimed at improving the quality of life for patients by managing symptoms and side effects of both the disease and its treatment.

Active Disease Management

The process of continuously monitoring and managing a patient's condition to control symptoms and ensure adherence to treatment.