Biochemistry

Question 1

How is Hodgkin’s lymphoma characterised?

Answer 1

Presence of Reid sternberg cells - multinucleated or bilobed nuclei

Question 2

How is non-hodgkins lymphoma characterised?

Answer 2

Diffuse or nodular abnormal lymphocytes

Question 3

Describe the indolent subtype of non-hodgkins lymphoma

Answer 3

These grow slowly and may not require treatment for long periods. When they do need treatment they are likely to respond well to chemotherapy but are rarely cured.
Follicular lymphomas are low grade non-hodgkins lymphomas.

Question 4

Describe the high grade non-hodkins lymphomas subtype

Answer 4

These tumours grow quickly and frequently symptomatic. However, they are more likely to be completely cured than low grade lymphomas with chemotherapy. Diffuse large B-cell lymphomas and Burkett lymphomas are examples of high grade non-hodgkins lymphoma.

Question 5

What age is Hodgkin’s disease likely to present in?

Answer 5

• 15-30 yrs

- >50 yrs

Question 6

What are the types of leukaemia?

Answer 6

Myeloid (neutrophils) or lymphocytic (lymphocytes)

Question 7

Describe the acute form of leukaemia

Answer 7

Peripheral blood film is dominated by the immature cells or blast cells.
This renders the marrow unable to produce healthy blood cells so they may become anaemic or thrombocytopenic.

Question 8

Describe the chronic form of leukaemia

Answer 8

More mature cells will be seen in excess numbers in the peripheral blood films.

Question 9

What should sudden onset of gum bleeding/purpurae echymoses etc in young people raise the possibility of?

Answer 9

1. TTP - thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
2. HUS - haemolytic uraemic syndrome
3. Infections e.g. meningococcal sepsis
4. Haematological malignancies such as leukaemias