leukemia (redirected from Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia)

leukemia /leu·ke·mia/ (loo-ke´me-ah) a progressive, malignant disease of the blood-forming organs, marked by distorted proliferation and development of leukocytes and their precursors in the blood and bone marrow.leuke´mic

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acute leukemia  leukemia in which the involved cell line shows little or no differentiation, usually consisting of blast cells; it comprises two types, acute lymphocytic leukemia and acute myelogenous leukemia.

acute granulocytic leukemia  acute myelogenous l.

acute lymphoblastic leukemia  (ALL) one of the two major categories of acute leukemia, characterized by anemia, fatigue, weight loss, easy bruising, thrombocytopenia, granulocytopenia with bacterial infections, bone pain, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and sometimes spread to the central nervous system. It is subclassified on the basis of the surface antigens expressed, e.g., B-cell type, T-cell type.

acute lymphocytic leukemia  acute lymphoblastic l.

acute megakaryoblastic leukemia , acute megakaryocytic leukemia a form of acute myelogenous leukemia in which megakaryocytes are predominant and platelets are increased in the blood.

acute monocytic leukemia  an uncommon form of acute myelogenous leukemia in which the predominating cells are monocytes.

acute myeloblastic leukemia 

1. a common type of acute myelogenous leukemia in which myeloblasts predominate; it is divided into two types on the basis of degree of cell differentiation.

2. acute myelogenous l.

acute myelocytic leukemia  acute myelogenous l.

acute myelogenous leukemia  (AML) one of the two major categories of acute leukemia, with symptoms including anemia, fatigue, weight loss, easy bruising, thrombocytopenia, and granulocytopenia.

acute myeloid leukemia 

1. acute myeloblastic l. (1).

2. acute myelogenous l.

acute myelomonocytic leukemia  a common type of acute myelogenous leukemia, with both malignant monocytes and monoblasts.

acute nonlymphocytic leukemia  acute myelogenous l.

acute promyelocytic leukemia  acute myelogenous leukemia in which more than half the cells are malignant promyelocytes.

acute undifferentiated leukemia  (AUL) acute myelogenous leukemia in which the predominating cell is so immature it cannot be classified.

adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma  (ATL) an adult-onset, subacute or chronic malignancy of mature T lymphocytes, believed to be caused by human lymphotropic virus type I.

aleukemic leukemia  a form in which the total white blood cell count in the peripheral blood is not elevated; it may be lymphocytic, monocytic, or myelogenous.

basophilic leukemia  leukemia in which the basophilic leukocytes predominate.

chronic leukemia  leukemia in which the involved cell line is well differentiated, usually B lymphocytes, but immunologically incompetent.

chronic granulocytic leukemia  chronic leukemia of the myelogenous type, usually associated with a specific chromosomal abnormality and occurring in adulthood.

chronic lymphocytic leukemia  (CLL) chronic leukemia of the lymphoblastic type, characterized by lymphadenopathy, fatigue, renal involvement, and pulmonary leukemic infiltrates.

chronic myelocytic leukemia , chronic myelogenous leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia chronic granulocytic l.

chronic myelomonocytic leukemia  a chronic, slowly progressing form characterized by malignant monocytes and myeloblasts, splenomegaly, and thrombocytopenia.

leukemia cu´tis  a cutaneous manifestation of leukemia resulting from infiltration of the skin by malignant leukocytes.

eosinophilic leukemia  a form in which eosinophils are the predominating cells.

granulocytic leukemia  myelogenous l.

hairy cell leukemia  chronic leukemia marked by splenomegaly and an abundance of large, mononuclear abnormal cells with numerous irregular cytoplasmic projections that give them a flagellated or hairy appearance in the bone marrow, spleen, liver, and peripheral blood.

histiocytic leukemia  acute monocytic l.

lymphatic leukemia , lymphoblastic leukemia, lymphocytic leukemia a form associated with hyperplasia and overactivity of the lymphoid tissue, with increased levels of circulating malignant lymphocytes or lymphoblasts.

lymphogenous leukemia , lymphoid leukemia lymphatic l.

lymphosarcoma cell leukemia  (B-cell type) acute lymphoblastic l.

mast cell leukemia  a rare form marked by overwhelming numbers of tissue mast cells in the peripheral blood.

megakaryoblastic leukemia  acute megakaryocytic l.

megakaryocytic leukemia 

1. acute megakaryocytic l.

2. hemorrhagic thrombocythemia.

micromyeloblastic leukemia  a form of myelogenous leukemia in which the immature nucleoli-containing cells are small and similar to lymphocytes.

monocytic leukemia  acute monocytic l.

myeloblastic leukemia 

1. myelogenous l.

2. acute myeloblastic l.

myelocytic leukemia , myelogenous leukemia, myeloid granulocytic leukemia a form arising from myeloid tissue in which the granular polymorphonuclear leukocytes and their precursors predominate. See also acute myelogenous l. and chronic granulocytic l.

myelomonocytic leukemia  acute myelomonocytic l.

plasma cell leukemia , plasmacytic leukemia a form in which the predominating cell in the peripheral blood is the plasma cell.

promyelocytic leukemia  acute promyelocytic l.

Rieder cell leukemia  a form of acute myelogenous leukemia in which the blood contains asynchronously developed cells with immature cytoplasm and a lobulated, relatively more mature nucleus.

stem cell leukemia  acute undifferentiated l.

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leu·ke·mi·a (l-km-)

n.

Any of various acute or chronic neoplastic diseases of the bone marrow in which unrestrained proliferation of white blood cells occurs and which is usually accompanied by anemia, impaired blood clotting, and enlargement of the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen.

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leu·kemic adj.

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Leukemia

A cancer of blood cells characterized by the abnormal increase in the number of white blood cells in the tissues. There are many types of leukemias and they are classified according to the type of white blood cell involved.

Mentioned in: Ataxia-Telangiectasia, Bone Marrow Transplantation, Hairy Cell Leukemia, Leukemia Stains, Liver Transplantation, Myelofibrosis, Myocardial Biopsy

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leukemia

[lo̅o̅kē′mē·ə]

Etymology: Gk, leukos + haima, blood

a broad term given to a group of malignant diseases characterized by diffuse replacement of bone marrow with proliferating leukocyte precursors, abnormal numbers and forms of immature white cells in circulation, and infiltration of lymph nodes, spleen, and liver. The incidence of leukemia is about 15 per 100,000 for all age groups but increases around the age of 40 and reaches 160 per 100,000 by age 80. The disease causes about 15,900 deaths a year. Males are affected twice as often as females. The origin of leukemia is not clear, but it may result from genetic predisposition plus exposure to ionizing radiation, benzene, or other chemicals that are toxic to bone marrow. The risk of the disease increases in individuals with Down syndrome, Fanconi's syndrome, ataxia-telangiectasia, Bloom's syndrome, or some other forms of congenital aneuploidy and in an identical twin of a leukemia victim. Classification has become increasingly complex, sophisticated, and essential because identification of the subtype has therapeutic and prognostic implications. Leukemia is classified according to the predominant proliferating cells. Acute leukemia usually has a sudden onset and rapidly progresses from early signs such as fatigue, pallor, weight loss, and easy bruising to fever, hemorrhages, extreme weakness, bone or joint pain, and repeated infections. Chronic leukemia develops slowly, and signs similar to those of the acute forms of the disease may not appear for years. Diagnoses of acute and chronic forms are made by blood tests and bone marrow biopsies. Involved marrow may range in color from muddy red-brown to pale gray, and changes are usually first evident in the vertebrae, ribs, sternum, and pelvis. The most effective treatment includes intensive combination chemotherapy, antibiotics to prevent infections, and blood transfusions to replace red cells and platelets. Also spelled leukaemia. See also acute childhood leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute myelocytic leukemia. leukemic, adj.

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leukemia [loo-ke´me-ah]

a progressive, malignant neoplasm of the blood-forming organs, marked by diffuse replacement of the bone marrow development of leukocytes and their precursors in the blood and bone marrow. It is accompanied by a reduced number of erythrocytes and blood platelets, resulting in anemia and increased susceptibility to infection and hemorrhage. Other typical symptoms include fever, pain in the joints and bones, and swelling of the lymph nodes, spleen, and liver. adj., adj leuke´mic.

Types of Leukemia. Leukemia is classified clinically in several ways: (1) acute versus chronic, terms that have become altered from their usual meanings and refer to the degree of cell differentiation; (2) the predominant proliferating cells: myelocytic, granulocytic, or lymphocytic; and (3) increase in or maintenance of the number of abnormal cells in the blood—preleukemic.

Acute leukemia is characterized by fatigue, headache, sore throat, and dyspnea, followed by symptoms of acute tonsillitis, stomatitis, bleeding from the mucous membranes of the mouth, alimentary canal, and rectum, and pain in the bones and joints. There eventually is enlargement of the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen. Common to all leukemias are the tendency to bleed and the resultant anemia and increased susceptibility to infection. The diagnosis of leukemia requires confirmation of leukemic cells in the bone marrow by bone marrow biopsy and aspiration. Abnormalities may also be seen in peripheral blood smears.

Treatment. The treatment of choice is systemic combination chemotherapy with a variety of antineoplastic drug regimens. The disease can also be treated by a bone marrow transplant after a remission is achieved with chemotherapy.

Patient Care. Leukemia affects almost every system within the body and can present a variety of patient care problems. Of primary concern are those symptoms attendant to suppression of normal bone marrow function, particularly susceptibility to infection due to the predominance of immature and abnormally functioning white blood cells, bleeding tendency owing to decreased platelet count, and anemia due to decreased erythrocyte count. Chronic abnormal tissue perfusion, increased need for rest, and decreased sensitivity to heat and cold require careful planning and intervention. Additionally, the patient will need relief from pain and discomfort arising from enlargement of the lymph nodes and distention of the liver and spleen.

Because of the malignant nature of leukemia and the fear and anxiety created by the knowledge that one has a form of cancer, patients and their families and significant others will need help in coping with anxiety, mental depression, and realistic fears about dying and death. The financial burden of the illness and disruption of the life of the individual and the family also impose a special burden on them. Referral to appropriate persons and agencies that can help meet their needs is an essential part of the holistic care of the patient with leukemia.

acute leukemia leukemia in which the involved cell line shows little or no differentiation, usually consisting of blast cells; two types are distinguished, acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myelogenous leukemia.

acute granulocytic leukemia acute myelogenous leukemia.

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (acute lymphocytic leukemia) acute leukemia of the lymphoblastic type, one of the two major categories of acute leukemia, primarily affecting young children. Symptoms include anemia, fatigue, weight loss, easy bruising, thrombocytopenia, granulocytopenia with bacterial infections, bone pain, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and sometimes spread to the central nervous system (meningism) or to other organs. There are three major subtypes: The pre–B-cell is the most common, consisting of small uniform lymphoblasts that do not synthesize complete functional immunoglobulins or synthesize heavy chains only. The B-cell type is rare and consists of lymphoblasts that express surface immunoglobulins and have a surface translocation similar to that of Burkitt's lymphoma. The T-cell type has cells that express surface antigens characteristic of T cells.

acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (acute megakaryocytic leukemia) a form of acute myelogenous leukemia in which megakaryocytes are predominant and platelets are increased in the blood, often with fibrosis; it can occur at any age. Called also megakaryoblastic or megakaryocytic leukemia.

acute monocytic leukemia an uncommon form of acute myelogenous leukemia in which the predominating cells are identified as monocytes; a few myelocytes may also be present. It can affect any age group. Called also monocytic leukemia.

acute myeloblastic leukemia

1. a common kind of acute myelogenous leukemia, in which myeloblasts predominate; it usually occurs in infants and middle-aged to older adults. Two types are distinguished; those that have minimal cell differentiation or maturation and those that have more advanced differentiation. Called also myeloblastic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia.

2. acute myelogenous leukemia.

acute myelocytic leukemia acute myelogenous leukemia.

acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) acute leukemia of the myelogenous type, one of the two major categories of acute leukemia; most types affect primarily middle-aged to elderly people. Symptoms include anemia, fatigue, weight loss, easy bruising, thrombocytopenia, and granulocytopenia that leads to persistent bacterial infections. Several types are distinguished, named according to the stage in which abnormal proliferation begins: acute undifferentiated l., acute myeloblastic l., acute promyelocytic l., acute myelomonocytic l., acute monocytic l., acute erythroleukemia, and acute megakaryocytic l. Called also acute myelocytic l. and acute nonlymphocytic l.

acute myeloid leukemia

1. acute myeloblastic leukemia (def. 1).

2. acute myelogenous leukemia.

acute myelomonocytic leukemia one of the more common types of acute myelogenous leukemia, characterized by both malignant monocytes and myeloblasts; it usually affects middle aged to older adults. See also chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. Called also myelomonocytic or Naegeli's leukemia.

acute nonlymphocytic leukemia acute myelogenous leukemia.

acute promyelocytic leukemia acute myelogenous leukemia in which more than half the cells are malignant promyelocytes, often associated with abnormal bleeding secondary to thrombocytopenia, hypofibrinogenemia, and decreased levels of coagulation factor V; it usually occurs in young adults. Called also promyelocytic leukemia.

acute undifferentiated leukemia acute myelogenous leukemia in which the predominating cell is so immature and primitive that it cannot be classified. Called also stem cell leukemia and undifferentiated cell leukemia.

adult T-cell leukemia (adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma) a form of leukemia with onset in adulthood, leukemic cells with T-cell properties, frequent dermal involvement, lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly, and a subacute or chronic course; it is associated with human T-cell leukemia-lymphoma virus.

aleukemic leukemia leukemia in which the leukocyte count is normal or below normal; it may be lymphocytic, monocytic, or myelocytic.

basophilic leukemia a rare type of leukemia in which basophils predominate; both acute and chronic varieties have been observed.

blast cell leukemia acute undifferentiated leukemia.

chronic leukemia leukemia in which the involved cell line is well-differentiated, usually B-lymphocytes, but immunologically incompetent; types distinguished include chronic granulocytic, chronic lymphocytic, chronic myelomonocytic, eosinophilic, and hairy cell leukemia.

chronic granulocytic leukemia chronic leukemia of the myelogenous type, occurring mainly between the age of 25 and 60, usually associated with a unique chromosomal abnormality. The major clinical manifestations of malaise, hepatosplenomegaly, anemia, and leukocytosis are related to abnormal, excessive, unrestrained overgrowth of granulocytes in the bone marrow. Called also chronic myelocytic or chronic myeloid leukemia.

chronic lymphocytic leukemia chronic leukemia of the lymphoblastic type, a common form mainly seen in the elderly; symptoms include lymphadenopathy, fatigue, renal involvement, and pulmonary leukemic infiltrates. Circulating malignant cells are usually differentiated B-lymphocytes; a minority of cases have mixed T and B lymphocytes or entirely T-lymphocytes.

chronic myelocytic leukemia (chronic myelogenous leukemia,) (chronic myeloid leukemia) chronic granulocytic leukemia.

chronic myelomonocytic leukemia a slowly progressing form of chronic leukemia that usually affects the elderly and sometimes progresses to acute myelomonocytic leukemia. Symptoms include splenomegaly, monocytosis with granulocytosis, and thrombocytopenia.

leukemia cu´tis leukemia with leukocytic invasion of the skin marked by pink, reddish brown, or purple macules, papules, and tumors.

eosinophilic leukemia a form of leukemia in which the eosinophil is the predominating cell. Although resembling chronic granulocytic leukemia in many ways, this form may follow an acute course despite the absence of predominantly blast forms in the peripheral blood.

granulocytic leukemia myelogenous leukemia.

hairy cell leukemia a form of chronic leukemia marked by splenomegaly and by an abundance of abnormal large mononuclear cells covered by hairlike villi (hairy cells) in the bone marrow, spleen, liver, and peripheral blood. Called also leukemic reticuloendotheliosis.

leukopenic leukemia aleukemic leukemia.

lymphatic leukemia (lymphoblastic leukemia) leukemia associated with hyperplasia and overactivity of the lymphoid tissue; there are increased numbers of circulating malignant lymphocytes and lymphoblasts. See also acute lymphoblastic leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

lymphocytic leukemia (lymphogenous leukemia) (lymphoid leukemia) lymphoblastic leukemia.

lymphosarcoma cell leukemia the B-cell type of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

mast cell leukemia a rare type marked by overwhelming numbers of tissue mast cells in the peripheral blood.

megakaryoblastic leukemia acute megakaryocytic leukemia.

megakaryocytic leukemia

1. hemorrhagic thrombocythemia.

2. acute megakaryocytic leukemia.

micromyeloblastic leukemia a form of myelogenous leukemia in which the immature, nucleoli-containing cells are small and are distinguishable from lymphocytes only by special staining.

monocytic leukemia acute monocytic leukemia.

myeloblastic leukemia

1. myelogenous leukemia.

2. acute myeloblastic leukemia.

myelocytic leukemia (myelogenous leukemia) (myeloid granulocytic leukemia) a form arising from myeloid tissue in which polymorphonuclear leukocytes and their precursors predominate.

myelomonocytic leukemia (Naegeli's leukemia) acute myelomonocytic leukemia.

plasma cell leukemia (plasmacytic leukemia) a rare type in which the predominating cell in the peripheral blood is the plasma cell; it is often seen in asociation with multiple myeloma.

prolymphocytic leukemia a type of chronic leukemia marked by large numbers of circulating lymphocytes, predominantly prolymphocytes, with massive splenomegaly and occasionally lymphadenopathy; prognosis is often poor.

promyelocytic leukemia acute promyelocytic leukemia.

Rieder cell leukemia a form of acute myelogenous leukemia in which the blood contains the abnormal cells called Rieder's lymphocytes, asynchronously developed lymphocytes that have immature cytoplasm and a lobulated, indented, comparatively more mature nucleus.

stem cell leukemia acute undifferentiated leukemia.

subleukemic leukemia aleukemic leukemia.

undifferentiated leukemia acute undifferentiated leukemia.

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leukemia (lōō·kēˑ·mē·),

n a group of chronic or acute malignant disorders characterized by an abnormal increase in the number and types of white blood cells; permeation of liver, lymph nodes, and spleen; replace-ment of bone marrow with proliferating precursors to white blood cells. Lethargy, paleness, loss of weight, and easy bruising are early signs. Fever, extreme weakness, hemorrhages, and pain in the joints or bones may be later indications. An intensive combination of chemotherapy, antibiotics, and blood transfusions or bone marrow transplant is currently the most effective treatment.

leukemia, acute lymphocytic (·kyōōtˑ lim·fˑ·tik lōō·kēˑ·mē·),

n malignant blood disease, where healthy blood cell numbers are reduced while underdeveloped cells and lymphoblasts proliferate in blood vessels, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and organs. One of the most common malignancies in children.

leukemia, acute myelocytic (·kyōōtˑ mīˑ··lō·si·tik lōō·kēˑ·mē·),

n bone marrow disease most often occurring in young adults in which undeveloped granular leukocytes multiply in the body. Individuals exposed to high amounts of radiation are at higher risk of developing this disease, as are those with a variety of blood dyscrasias, such as refractory anemia, among others. Also called
acute granulocytic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, acute nonlymphocytic leukemia, myeloid leukemia, splenomedullary leukemia, or
splenomyelogenous leukemia.

leukemia, chronic lymphocytic,

n cancer of hematopoeitic tissues common in older men distinguished by proliferation of lymphocytes, especially B cells. Symptoms include malaise, weight loss, fatigue, nighttime sweating, and lymphadenopathy.

Leukemia, chronic lymphocytic.

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leukemia (lookē´mē),

n a usually fatal disease of the blood-forming tissues characterized by the abnormal proliferation of leukocytes and their precursors and attended by fatigue, weakness, fever, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and a tendency toward profuse tissue hemorrhage. Oral lesions include gingival enlargement, severe gingivitis, and necrosis. Lymphatic, monocytic, and myelogenous leukemias are the main types.

Leukemia.

leukemia, aleukemia

(ā´lookē´mē),
n a phase of the leukemic state marked by proliferation of leukocytes within the blood-forming tissues but without an increase in the white blood cell count: relatively few precursor cells are found in the blood smear until the phase passes and the blood becomes flooded with white cells. Oral lesions, when present, are ulceronecrotic and hypertrophic.

leukemia, lymphatic (lymphoid leukemia),

n a hyperplasia, of undetermined origin, affecting lymphoid tissue. Predominating cells are lymphocytes and lymphoblasts. Generally assumes a more chronic course than other forms of leukemia but may be acute. Oral lesions include swollen and hyperplastic gingivae, ulceronecrotic lesions, and marked tendency to gingival hemorrhage.

leukemia, monocytic,

n a form characterized by an abnormal increase in the number of monocytes. Manifestations include progressive weakness, anorexia, lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and secondary anemia. Oral lesions may be ulceronecrotic or hemorrhagic.

leukemia, myelogenous,

n a form in which the leukocytes are of bone marrow origin (e.g., polymorphonuclear leukocytes, myelocytes, myeloblasts). Oral manifestations may include gingival enlargement, hemorrhage, and necrosis.

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leukemia

a progressive, malignant disease of the blood-forming organs, marked by distorted proliferation and development of leukocytes and their precursors in the blood and bone marrow. Signs include fever and enlargement of the lymph nodes, spleen and liver. The persistent lymphocytosis that occurs in some cattle is a response to infection with the bovine viral leukosis virus. Similarly, leukemia may occur in the lymphoproliferative and myeloproliferative diseases caused by feline leukemia virus in cats.

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aleukemic leukemia

leukemia in which the leukocyte count is normal or below normal.

avian leukemia

see avian leukosis.

basophilic leukemia, basophilocytic leukemia

leukemia in which basophilic granulocytes predominate.

B-cell leukemia

leukemia arising from B lymphocytes.

bovine leukemia

see bovine viral leukosis.

leukemia cutis

skin lesions associated with dissemination of systemic leukemia; they may be neoplastic or nonspecific.

embryonal leukemia

stem cell leukemia.

eosinophilic leukemia

occurs rarely in cats. There are large numbers of eosinophils with infiltration of spleen, liver, lymph nodes and bone marrow.

feline leukemia complex

the array of diseases associated with infection of cats by the feline leukemia virus; includes lymphoreticular neoplasms, myelodysplastic disorders and abnormalities of the immune system.

feline leukemia virus (FeLV)

see feline leukemia virus.

granulocytic leukemia

myelocytic leukemia.

leukopenic leukemia

aleukemic leukemia.

lymphatic leukemia, lymphoblastic leukemia, lymphocytic leukemia, lymphogenous leukemia, lymphoid leukemia

leukemia associated with hyperplasia and overactivity of the lymphoid tissue, in which the leukocytes are lymphocytes or lymphoblasts.

lymphosarcoma cell leukemia

a form marked by large numbers of lymphosarcoma cells in the peripheral blood; depending on the degree of bone marrow involvement, it may be a variant of lymphosarcoma.

mast cell leukemia

a form marked by overwhelming numbers of tissue mast cells in the peripheral blood.

megakaryoblastic leukemia

a rare disease of young dogs, characterized by intestinal hemorrhage, anemia and a fatal outcome within a few weeks. There is a pancytopenia and marked thrombocytopenia.

megakaryocytic leukemia

a form with numerous megakaryocytes in the spleen, bone marrow, and other tissues, but decreased numbers or abnormal thrombocytes in the peripheral blood, and anemia. Reported in dogs and cats. Called also megakaryocytic myelosis.

monocytic leukemia

leukemia in which the predominating leukocytes are monocytes.

myeloblastic leukemia

characterized by a predominance of immature myeloid series of cells in the blood; largely a disease of young male dogs and cats.

myelocytic leukemia, myelogenous leukemia, myeloid leukemia

a form arising from myeloid tissue in which the granular polymorphonuclear leukocytes and their precursors predominate.

myelomonocytic leukemia

concurrent neoplasia of the neutrophilic and monocytic cell lines with a monocytic leukemia, a high total leukocyte count, anemia and thrombocytopenia.

plasma cell leukemia, plasmacyte leukemia

a form in which the predominating cell in the peripheral blood is the plasma cell.

premyelocytic leukemia

a form in which the predominant cells are premyeloblasts, rather than myeloblasts, often associated with abnormal bleeding secondary to thrombocytopenia, hypofibrinogenemia and decreased levels of clotting factor V.

promyelocytic leukemia

characterized by a predominance of promyelocytes in peripheral blood and in the bone marrow. A disease of dogs and cats with bleeding tendencies, anemia and a susceptibility to septicemia with a fatal outcome within a few weeks.

stem cell leukemia

leukemia in which the predominating cell is so immature and primitive that its classification is difficult.

subleukemic leukemia

aleukemic leukemia.

undifferentiated leukemia

an acute myeloproliferative disorder in which the cells involved cannot be identified.

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leukemia

Hematology An uncommon–incidence, US 3.5/105/yr—malignant clonal expansion of myeloid or lymphoid cells characterized by an ↑ in circulating WBCs; leukemias may be an incidental finding when evaluating an unrelated clinical problem, or when the expansion compromises BM production of one or more cell lines causing anemia, thrombocytopenia, granulocytopenia; leukemias are divided by chronology–acute or chronic, by cell lineage–lymphoid, myeloid/myelocytic, monocytic or megakaryocytic and divided by stage of maturation or cell size Clinical BM infiltration by leukemia, resulting in anemia, thrombocytopenia, granulocytopenia, immune paralysis, ↓ B cells and CD4–helper T cells, ↑ CD8–suppressor T cells, infiltration and leukostasis, cranial nerve palsies, meningitis, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, testicular and cutaneous involvement, metabolic derangements–eg, ↑ Ca²⁺, K⁺, LD, ammonia, weight loss, less commonly, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, pallor and arthralgia Diagnosis Hx, physical exam, peripheral smear Management Chemotherapy, RT, BMT. See Accelerated leukemia, Acute leukemia, Acute lymphocytic leukemia, Acute myelocytic leukemia, Acute promyelocytic leukemia, Adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma, Aleukemic leukemia, Biphenotypic leukemia, Central nervous system leukemia, Chemotherapy-induced leukemia, Chronic leukemia, Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Chronic myelocytic leukemia, Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, Congenital leukemia, Erythroleukemia, FAB classification, Hairy cell leukemia, Hand mirror cell leukemia, Herald state of leukemia, Mast cell leukemia, Megakaryoblastic leukemia, Multilineage leukemia, Plasma cell leukemia, Preleukemia, Prolymphocytic leukemia, Promyelocytic leukemia, Smoldering myeloid leukemia.

Leukemia Acute v. Chronic

Acute leukemia More common in children, 80% are ALL, often before age 10, peak at ages 3–7 in whites, ♂:♀ ratio, 1.3:1 Cell types Early pre-B cell 67%; pre-B cell 18%; B cell 1%; T cell 14%; 50-85% are cALLA positive–common acute lymphocytic leukemia antigen, CD10; 5% have Philadelphia chromosome Clinical ALL is more abrupt than AML, with petechial hemorrhage, bone and abdominal pain, headache and vomiting due to ↑ intracranial pressure, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly Lab 70% have low-grade lymphocytosis–< 20 x 109 when diagnosed Evaluation Acute leukemia immunophenotypic profile Specimen EDTA–lavender top tube and sodium heparin–green top tube, peripheral blood smears Method of analysis Flow cytometry, immunofluorecesence Markers measured CD1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -7, -8, -10, -19. -20, -21, -33, -34, -56, megakaryocytic markers, HLA D/DR, kappa, lambda, TdT Management Protocols vary according to standard- or high-risk clinical features, and may include BMT

Chronic leukemia More common in adults/older children, often myelocytic; CML is Philadelphia chromosome positive; may occur < age 5 with myelomonocytosis, anemia, thrombocytopenia, lymphadenopathy; WBC count < 50 x 109, ≠ HbF, ≠ muraminidase; adult CML comprises 20% of all leukemias Clinical Gradual onset of fatigability, anorexia, splenomegaly; lymphadenopathy is uncommon Lab > 25 x 109/L leukemic cells in blood–often an absolute lymphocytosis of > 15 x 1010/L, < 10% blasts in BM, myeloid:erythroid ratio is 10-30:1, 90% of cases have low-to-absent leukocyte alkaline phosphatase and rarely also, ≠ vitamin B12 and B12-binding capacity Evaluation Chronic leukemia immunophenotype profile Specimen EDTA–lavender top tube and sodium heparin–green top tube, peripheral blood smears Method of analysis Flow cytometry, immunofluorescence Markers measured CD3, -5, -19, -20, -21, kappa, lambda Management see Chemotherapy, Induction Prognosis see Remission

Leukemia–prognostic features

Acute lymphocytic leukemia

Good Age 2-10, CD10 positivity, hyperdiploid karyotype

Poor Age < 2; >10, B-cell phenotype, especially L2 phenotype by FAB classification, presence of chromosome translocations, CNS involvement, mediastinal masses, high initial WBC count

Acute myelocytic leukemia

Good Younger, presence of Auer rods, rapid therapeutic response

Poor Older, prior malignancy or therapy, multiple chromosome defects  

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Patient discussion about leukemia.

Q. What types of cancer are AML and ALL? I have a friend who got sick with this bad cancer at the age of 35. He has told me has ALL but I am not familiar with this type of cancer.

A. ALL and AML are both types of Leukemias, i.e blood cancer. They are not representing an actual tumor, like breast cancer or prostate cancer, but instead they represent an uncontrolled production of blood cells of different kinds, that take over the bone marrow (where the blood cells are normally produced), and disturb with the entire circulation system. These cancers are treated with intensive chemotherapy drugs and bone marrow transplantation.

Q. What causes Leukemia? How can one get Leukemia?

A. Not all the causes of leukemia are known. However there are some causes that are suspected. Nowadays as the pollution is increasing and use of chemicals in various parts of life has increased, people who come in contact with toxic chemicals, radiations etc. are at greater risk of developing leukemia, hereditary also plays a role at some extent.

Q. How do you tell the difference between chemical burns, and burns from fire? Please don't spare on gross words i would like to know everything there is to burns.

A. Here is a ton of info on both-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical_burn
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burn_%28injury%29