Childhood Cancer Flashcards
What are haematological cancers?
Affect the blood, bone marrow and lymphnodes
Referred to as leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma
What is the most common cancer type in children?
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
What are the 2 main types of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia?
T cell
B cell
Explains what type of cell makes up most of the leukaemia
What do myeloid stem cells become?
White blood cells- monocytes and neutrophils (a type of granulocyte)
What do lymphoid stem cells become?
White blood cells called lymphocytes
What do erythroblasts become?
Red blood cells
What do megakeratocytes become?
Platelets
What cells proliferate in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia?
The bone marrow makes too many lymphoid blast cells
These lymphoblast cells are immature and are unable to grow into normal lymphocytes
What are the symptoms of ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukaemia)?
Breathlessness, looking pale, feeling tired
Bruising or bleeding easily for no reason
–nosebleeds
–bleeding gums
–small dark red spots on their skin
High temperature or picking up infections frequently
Swollen lymph nodes
Irritability
Bone pain
Loss of appetite
Fullness in tummy
Swollen testicles
What is the management for patients with ALL?
Chemotherapy
Stem cell transplant or Bone marrow transplant
What are the oral problems associated with ALL?
Increased infection risk during treatment
Oral and pharyngeal mucositis
Dry mouth
Increased caries rate
Gingival hyperplasia and bleeding gums
ORN, MRONJ
Trismus
Taste dysfunction
Opportunistic infections (candidiasis, herpes simplex)
What are the treatment considerations for a patient with ALL?
Prioritise prevention
Timing of appointments- around treatment
Immunosuppression and bleeding risk
Anxiety
Fatigue with care
Aggressive treatment planning with regards to infection risk
Wider social and familial circumstances
