Module 3 Flashcards
(156 cards)
What is leukemia?
Abnormal production of immature white blood cells (WBCs) in the bone marrow
These immature WBCs replicate uncontrollably instead of undergoing normal mitosis.
What happens to healthy WBCs in leukemia?
Immature WBCs accumulate, replacing healthy WBCs and weakening the immune response
This increases susceptibility to infections.
What are the main types of blood cells affected by leukemic cells?
- Red Blood Cells (RBCs)
- Platelets
RBCs lead to anemia; platelets cause abnormal bleeding and bruising.
What distinguishes acute leukemia from chronic leukemia?
Acute leukemia has rapid onset and aggressive progression with immature (blast) cells; chronic leukemia has slow progression with abnormal but mature-looking WBCs.
What are the two main classifications of leukemia by cell type?
- Lymphocytic Leukemia
- Myeloid Leukemia
Lymphocytic leukemia affects lymphocytes, while myeloid leukemia disrupts myeloid stem cells.
What is the most common type of leukemia in children?
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
What are potential risk factors for developing leukemia?
- Environmental factors (e.g., radiation, chemical exposure)
- Infection (certain viruses)
- Genetics (inherited conditions)
These factors can contribute to an increased risk of leukemia.
What is the average age at diagnosis for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)?
68 years
What are common symptoms of Neutropenia in AML?
- Recurrent severe infections
- Mucous membrane ulceration
- Pneumonia
- Septicemia
- Abscesses
What is the Philadelphia chromosome associated with?
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
It results from the translocation of chromosome 22 to chromosome 9.
What are the phases of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)?
- Chronic Phase
- Accelerated Phase
- Acute Phase (Blast Crisis)
Each phase has distinct symptoms and levels of disease progression.
What are early symptoms of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)?
- Fever
- Bleeding
- Lymphadenopathy
- Bone pain
What is the average age at diagnosis for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)?
70 years
What are common clinical manifestations of CLL?
- Lymphadenopathy
- Splenomegaly
- Hepatomegaly
What is the 5-year survival rate for CLL?
85%
What are the goals of treating leukemia?
- Kill cancerous cells
- Change how the body responds to cancerous cells
What is the role of chemotherapy in leukemia treatment?
Eradicates leukemic cells and produces remission
Combination therapies interrupt cancer cell growth at various stages.
What is Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD)?
A condition that can occur after a bone marrow transplant where donor cells attack the recipient’s body
What is the common treatment for children with ALL?
Chemotherapy
What is the function of Colony-Stimulating Factors (CSFs) in leukemia treatment?
Used to rescue bone marrow after chemotherapy
Common side effects include bone pain, fever, chills, and muscle aches.
Fill in the blank: The average age at diagnosis for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is _______.
65 years
True or False: Acute leukemia is characterized by the presence of mature WBCs.
False