Leukemia

Leukemia:  a progressive, malignant disease
of the blood forming organs, marked by distorted proliferation (the reproduction
or multiplication of similar forms, especially cells) and development of
leukocytes (WBC) and their precursors (something that precedes) in the
blood and bone marrow.  It’s most common forms include acute lymphoblastic
(lymphocytic)
leukemia
(ALL)
, involving abnormal growth of lymphocyte precursors (lymphoblasts);
acute
myeloblastic
(myelogenous) leukemia (AML), involving
rapid accumulation of myeloid precursors (myeloblasts); and acute
monoblastic
(monocytic)
leukemia, or Schilling’s
type,
involving marked increases in monocyte precursors (monoblasts).

Acute leukemia is most common in children, and ranks 20th as a cause
of cancer related deaths among people of all age groups. Untreated, acute leukemia invariably leads to death, usually the result
of complications that result from leukemic cell infiltration of bone marrow
or vital organs.  With treatment, prognosis varies. (Studies shows)-In
acute lymphoblastic leukemia, treatment induces remissions in 90% of children
(average survival time: 5 years) and in 65% of adults (average survival
time: 1 to 2 years).  Children between ages 2 and 8 have the best
survival rate – about 50% with intensive therapy.  In acute myeloblastic
leukemia, the average survival time is only 1 year after diagnosis, even
with aggressive treatment.  In acute monoblastic leukemia, treatment
induces remissions lasting 2 to 10 months in 40% of children.  Adults
survive only about 1 year after diagnosis, even with treatment.

Causes:  The exact cause of acute leukemia is unknown. 
Risk factors are thought to include some combination of viruses,, genetic
and immunologic factors, and exposure to radiation and certain chemicals.

Symptoms:

Sudden onset of high fever/low grade fever

Abnormal bleeding (example: nosebleeds, gingival bleeding, purpura,
ecchymoses, petechiae)

Bruising (even if it’s a minor trauma)

Prolonged menses (females)

Weakness

Pallor

Dyspnea

Fatigue

malaise

Tachycardia

Palpitations

Abdominal or bone pain.

Headache

Treatment:

Systemic chemotherapy 

Chemotherapy varies with the specific disorder:

Bone marrow transplant is now possible in some cases.

Antibiotic therapy, antifungal, and antiviral drugs may be ordered.

Transfusions 


Chronic Myelogenous Myelocytic) Leukemia
(CML):
  Known also as: Granulocytic Leukemia,
produces abnormal overgrowth of granulocyte precursors (myeloblasts, promyelocytes,
metamyelocytes, and myelocytes) in bone marrow, peripheral blood, and body
tissues. 

CML progresses in three distinct phases: 
the insidious chronic phase, with anemia and bleeding abnormalities;
an accelerated phase; and, eventually, the acute phase (blastic
crisis), in with myeloblasts, the most primitive granulocyte precursors,
proliferate rapidly.  This disease is invariably fatal. Studies shows
average survival time is 3 to 4 years after onset of the chronic phase
and 3 to 6 months after onset of the acute phase.

Causes:  Just about 90% of patients
with CML have the Philadelphia (Ph1) chromosome.  Radiation and carcinogenic
chemicals may induces this chromosome abnormality.  Myeloproliferative
diseases also seem to increase the incidence of this disease.  Also
believe to be a cause is that of an unidentified virus.

Symptoms:

Anemia

Fatigue

Weakness

Decreased exercise tolerance

Pallor

Dyspnea

Tachycardia

Headache

Thrombocytopenia  (decrease in number of
platelets in circulating blood – resulting in bleeding and clotting disorders,
such as retinal hemorrhage, ecchymosis, hematuria, melena, bleeding gums,
nosebleeds, and easy bruising).


Hepatosplenomegaly (enlargement of the liver
and spleen), with abdominal discomfort and pain.


Sternal and rib tenderness

Low grade fever

Weight loss

Anorexia

Prolonged infection and ankle edema

Treatment:

Chemotherapy

Radiation therapy

Splenectomy (controversial)