Flashcards on Leukemias, Lymphomas, and Myelomas

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to leukemias, lymphomas, and myelomas based on the lecture notes.

Leukemia

A disease of the blood, usually of leukocytes, originating in the bone marrow.

Lymphoma

A malignancy that starts in the lymph system, mainly the lymph nodes.

Myeloma

A malignancy involving plasma cells, characterized by the formation of tumors in the bone marrow.

Acute Leukemia

A rapidly progressive form of leukemia characterized by the presence of immature blood cells.

Chronic Leukemia

A slowly progressive form of leukemia often with more mature cells and less severe symptoms.

Cytochemical Stains

Laboratory techniques used to identify and classify leukemias based on cellular components.

Flow Cytometry

A technology used to analyze the characteristics of cells in a fluid as they pass through a laser.

Immunophenotyping

A lab method used to identify cells based on the expression of specific surface proteins.

FAB Classification

French-American-British system for classifying leukemias based on morphological characteristics.

WHO Classification

World Health Organization classification of leukemias that incorporates genetic, immunophenotyping, and other studies.

Philadelphia Chromosome

A genetic abnormality associated with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) characterized by a translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22.

Oncogenes

Genes that have the potential to cause cancer when mutated or expressed at high levels.

Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes that normally help prevent uncontrolled cell growth; when inactivated, they can lead to cancer.

Cytogenetic Typing

A lab technique used to analyze chromosomes for translocations and other abnormalities in leukemia classification.

Minimal Residual Disease (MRD)

The small number of leukemic cells that may remain after treatment and can lead to relapse.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

A type of leukemia characterized by an accumulation of functionally incompetent lymphocytes.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

A type of leukemia characterized by the rapid proliferation of myeloid precursors.

Ethnic Factors in Leukemia Incidence

Leukemia occurrence varies by ethnicity, with higher incidences reported in Scandinavian countries.

Prognosis of Acute Leukemia

Generally poor without treatment, often leading to survival rates of several weeks to months.

Chemotherapy

A common treatment method for leukemia involving the use of drugs to kill cancer cells.