Hematologic Problems Flashcards
What is the most common type of leukemia in children?
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
Describe the characteristics of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
-Immature small lymphocytes proliferate in the bone marrow
-Sudden fever and bleeding may appear as symptoms
-Other symptoms may include weakness, fatigue, bone/joint pain, bleeding
What is a hallmark diagnosis of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia?
Philadelphia Chromosome (but also found in AML and ALL)
What is the Philadelphia Chromosome?
When pieces of chromosome 9 and 22 break off and switch places
What is the most common leukemia founds in adults in the US?
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Describe the lymphocytes that are produced and accumulated in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
-Functionally Inactive
-Long-lived
-Small
-Appear mature
How does leukemia cause bone marrow failure?
-Bone marrow is overcrowded by abnormal cells (blast cells replace bone marrow)
-Inadequate production of normal marrow elements
What is induction therapy?
Aggressive treatment that tries to target the destruction of leukemic cells
What is thrombocytopenia?
A condition where the number of platelets in your blood is too low which can lead to excessive bleeding
What are the two major types of lymphomas?
Hodgkin Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
What are abnormal, giant, multinucleated cells found in Hodgkin Lymphoma called?
Reed-Sternberg cells
What percentage of patients with Hodgkin lymphoma are cured?
85%
What are the 3 main interacting factors of Hodgkin Lymphoma?
-Infection with Epstein-Barr virus
-Genetic predisposition
-Exposure to occupational toxins
Which lymph nodes are usually enlarged as an initial manifestation of Hodgkin Lymphoma?
-Cervical
-Axillary
-Inguinal
Describe multiple myeloma
Cancerous plasma cells proliferate in the bone marrow and destroy bone
What are 4 clinical manifestations of Multiple Myeloma?
-Skeletal pain
-Renal & GI problems
-Serum hyperviscosity syndrome
-Neurologic problems
Skeletal pain is a common manifestation of multiple myeloma. Which locations are a common source of pain?
-Pelvis
-Spine
-Ribs
What might you see in an xray of a patient with multiple myeloma?
Osteolytic lesions
What is a normal platelet count?
150,000 - 450,000
What is thrombocytopenia?
Reduction in platelets less than 150,000
What are schistocytes?
Fragmented RBCs
What do schistocyte levels indicate?
They can indicate partial occlusive of small vessels
Which diagnosis is confirmed by a biopsy showing Reed-Sternberg cells?
Hodgkin Lymphoma
Which type of leukemia is characterized by the proliferation of immature small lymphocytes in the bone marrow?
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
