Leukemia Flashcards
Who is leukemia most common in?
Children and young adults
What is leukemia classified as?
Acute and chronic lymphocytic leukemia or acute and chronic myelogenous leukemia
In acute forms of leukemia what cells tend to be affected?
Immature blast cells
In chronic leukemia which cells are often affected?
Mature cells
Is acute leukemia often aggressive or not as aggressive?
Aggressive
Is chronic leukemia aggressive or not as aggressive?
Not as aggressive
What cells are affected in myelogenous leukemia?
Monocytes and granulocytes
What is the etiology of leukemia?
It is due to mutated genes, but exact cause is idiopathic
What are risk factors for leukemia?
Genetic predisposition, excessive radiation from X-rays, t-cell leukemia virus, and immunodeficiency
Is non-malignant blood cel production affected in leukemia? If so, why?
Yes. Because there is decreased space in the bond marrow and malignant cells are taking up all of the resources.
In leukemia, what occurs as a result of improper blood cell production in the bone marrow?
An impaired immune response and a decreased oxygen supply to the tissues because of less red blood cells being produced
What are manifestations of leukemia?
Anemia Thrombocytopenia Leukopenia Bleeding gums Fever Generalized pain Fatigue, weakness, bruising Recurrent infection
What is the treatment for leukemia?
Radiation & chemo Blood transfusions Antimicrobials CS factors (enhance proliferation of colony cells) Marrow transplant
What is meant by induction, intensification and maintenance when speaking of treatment for leukemia? And how long does this happen for?
Inducing remission, intensifying the remission and maintaining the remission. This lasts for 12-24 months
Where are malignant cells found in leukaemia?
Present in circulation and may infiltrate tissues
