CanCer-666: leukemia

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Diagnosis

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSxL6B8Ah8wUl1TkT0mqKKJqyGFiNqRjH1_o2TGtgWRIlQHDKThhi2ZwOyS7q8GQADJKEqRQRr4Vm9De1QLrV7u_3zcwjyenR1X4QpPUSSD0Btq4FcBhJB5RFXt4kMEOtq-3tr20iTug/s1600/Acute+Lymphocytic+Leukemia+Diagnosis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSxL6B8Ah8wUl1TkT0mqKKJqyGFiNqRjH1_o2TGtgWRIlQHDKThhi2ZwOyS7q8GQADJKEqRQRr4Vm9De1QLrV7u_3zcwjyenR1X4QpPUSSD0Btq4FcBhJB5RFXt4kMEOtq-3tr20iTug/s200/Acute+Lymphocytic+Leukemia+Diagnosis.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
A haematologist is a doctor who specialises in the treatment of blood problems. They will arrange for you to be seen quickly at the hospital for further tests and treatment. Certain signs and symptoms can suggest that a person might have acute lymphocytic leukemia, but tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis. 
 
Imaging Tests 
 
1. Computed tomography (CT) scan 
The CT scan is a type of x-ray test that produces detailed, cross-sectional images of your body. Unlike a regular x-ray, CT scans can show the detail in soft tissues (such as internal organs). This test can help tell if any lymph nodes or organs in your body are enlarged. It isn’t usually needed to diagnose ALL, but it may be done if your doctor suspects leukemia cells are growing in an organ, like your spleen. Instead of taking one picture, like a regular x-ray, a CT scanner takes many pictures as it rotates around you. A computer then combines these pictures into detailed images of the part of your body being studied. 
 
Before the scan, you may be asked to drink a contrast solution and/or get an intravenous (IV) injection of a contrast dye that helps better outline abnormal areas in the body. You may need an IV line for injecting the contrast dye. The IV injection of contrast dye can cause a feeling of flushing or warmth in the face or elsewhere. Some people are allergic and get hives or, rarely, more serious reactions like trouble breathing and low blood pressure. Be sure to tell the doctor if you have any allergies or have ever had a reaction to any contrast material used for x-rays. 
 
A CT scanner has been described as a large donut, with a narrow table in the middle opening. You will need to lie still on the table while the scan is being done. CT scans take longer than regular x-rays, and you might feel a bit confined by the ring while the pictures are being taken. In some cases, a CT can be used to guide a biopsy needle precisely into a suspected abnormality, such as an abscess. For this procedure, called a CT-guided needle biopsy, you stay on the CT scanning table while a radiologist moves a biopsy needle through the skin and toward the mass. CT scans are repeated until the needle is within the mass. A biopsy sample is then removed to be looked at under a microscope. 
 
Sometimes a test that combines the CT scan with a PET (positron emission tomography) scan (PET/CT scan) is done. For a PET scan, a form of radioactive sugar (known as fluorodeoxyglucose or FDG) is injected into the blood. The amount of radioactivity used is low. Because cancer cells in the body grow rapidly, they absorb large amounts of the sugar. A special camera can then create a picture of areas of radioactivity in the body. The PET/CT scan lets the doctor compare areas of higher radioactivity on the PET scan with the more detailed appearance of that area on the CT. This is not often needed for patients with ALL. 
 
2. Gallium scan and bone scan 
These tests are not often done for ALL, but they may be useful if you have bone pain that might be caused by either an infection or cancer in the bones. For these tests, the doctor or nurse injects a slightly radioactive chemical, which collects in areas of cancer or infection in the body, into the bloodstream,. These areas can then be seen with a special type of camera. The images from these scans are seen as “hot spots” in the body, but they don’t provide much detail. If an area lights up on the scan, other imaging tests such as x-rays, CTs, or MRIs may be done to get a more detailed look at the area. If leukemia is a possibility, a biopsy of the area may be needed to confirm this. 
 
3. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan 
Like CT scans, MRI scans provide detailed images of soft tissues in the body. But MRI scans use radio waves and strong magnets instead of x-rays. The energy from the radio waves is absorbed by the body and then released in a pattern formed by the type of body tissue and by certain diseases. A computer translates the pattern into a very detailed image of parts of the body. A contrast material called gadolinium is often injected into a vein before the scan to better see details. This contrast material is different from the one used for CT scans. 
 
MRI scans are very helpful in looking at the brain and spinal cord. MRI scans take longer than CT scans − often up to an hour. You may have to lie inside a narrow tube, which is confining and can be distressing to some people. Newer, more open MRI machines may be another option. The MRI machine makes loud buzzing and clicking noises that you may find disturbing. Some places provide headphones or earplugs to help block this noise out. 
 
4. Ultrasound 
Ultrasound uses sound waves and their echoes to produce a picture of internal organs or masses. For this test, a small, microphone-like instrument called a transducer is placed on the skin (which is first lubricated with gel). The transducer emits sound waves and picks up the echoes as they bounce off the organs. A computer converts the echoes into an image that is displayed on a computer screen. 
 
Ultrasound can be used to look at lymph nodes near the surface of the body or to look for enlarged organs inside your abdomen such as the kidneys, liver, and spleen. This is an easy test to have, and it uses no radiation. For most ultrasounds, you simply lie on a table, and a technician moves the transducer over the part of your body being looked at. 
 
5. X-rays 
This is taken to check for any sign of swollen lymph glands in the chest. 
 
Medical History and Physical Exam 
 
If you have signs and symptoms that suggest you might have leukemia, the doctor will want to get a thorough medical history, including how long you have had symptoms and if you have any history of exposure to risk factors. During the physical exam, the doctor will probably focus on any enlarged lymph nodes, areas of bleeding or bruising, or possible signs of infection. The eyes, mouth, and skin will be looked at carefully, and a thorough nervous system exam may be done. Your abdomen will be felt for signs of an enlarged spleen or liver. 
 
Your doctor may also order tests of your blood cell counts. If the results suggest leukemia, the doctor may refer you to a hematologist, a doctor who specializes in treating blood disorders (including blood cancers like leukemia). This doctor may run one or more of the tests described below. 
 
Tests Used to Diagnose and Classify ALL 
 
If your doctor thinks you have leukemia, he or she will need to check samples of cells from your blood and bone marrow to be sure of the diagnosis. Other tissue and cell samples may also be taken to help guide treatment. 
 
1. Blood tests 
Blood samples for ALL tests are generally taken from a vein in the arm. 
 
Blood chemistry and coagulation tests: Blood chemistry tests measure the amounts of certain chemicals in the blood, but they are not used to diagnose leukemia. In patients already known to have ALL, these tests can help detect liver or kidney problems caused by spreading leukemia cells or the side effects of certain chemotherapy drugs. These tests also help determine if treatment is needed to correct low or high blood levels of certain minerals. Blood coagulation tests may also be done to make sure the blood is clotting properly. 
 
Complete blood count (CBC) and blood cell exam (peripheral blood smear): The complete blood count (CBC) measures the numbers of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This test is often done along with a differential (or diff) which looks at the numbers of the different types of white blood cells. These tests are often the first ones done on patients with a suspected blood problem. For the peripheral smear, a drop of blood is smeared across a slide and then looked at under a microscope to see how the cells look. Changes in the numbers and the appearance of the cells often help diagnose leukemia. 
 
Most patients with ALL have too many immature white cells in their blood, and not enough red blood cells or platelets. Many of the white blood cells will be lymphoblasts (blasts), which are immature lymphocytes not normally found in the bloodstream. Lymphoblasts do not function like normal, mature white blood cells. Even though these findings may suggest leukemia, the disease usually is not diagnosed without looking at a sample of bone marrow cells. 
 
2. Bone marrow tests 
Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy: Bone marrow samples are obtained by bone marrow aspiration and biopsy – tests usually done at the same time. The samples are usually taken from the back of the pelvic (hip) bone, although in some cases they may be taken from the sternum (breastbone) or other bones. 
 
In bone marrow aspiration, you lie on a table (either on your side or on your belly). After cleaning the skin over the hip, the doctor numbs the skin and the surface of the bone by injecting a local anesthetic, which may cause a brief stinging or burning sensation. A thin, hollow needle is then inserted into the bone and a syringe is used to suck out a small amount of liquid bone marrow. Even with the anesthetic, most patients still have some brief pain when the marrow is removed. 
 
A bone marrow biopsy is usually done just after the aspiration. A small piece of bone and marrow is removed with a slightly larger needle that is twisted as it is pushed down into the bone. With local anesthetic, most patients just feel some pressure and tugging from the biopsy, but a few may feel a brief pain. Once the biopsy is done, pressure will be applied to the site to help prevent bleeding. These bone marrow tests are used to help diagnose leukemia. They may also be done again later to tell if the leukemia is responding to treatment. 
 
Cytochemistry: In cytochemistry tests, cells are put on a slide and exposed to chemical stains (dyes) that react only with some types of leukemia cells. These stains cause color changes that can be seen under a microscope, which can help the doctor determine what types of cells are present. For instance, one stain can help distinguish ALL from acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The stain causes the granules of most AML cells to appear as black spots under the microscope, but it does not cause ALL cells to change colors. 
 
Cytogenetics: Each cell in the body contains chromosomes, which are made up of genes. The genes control all the activities of the cell. In leukaemia there are often changes in the structure of the chromosomes within the leukaemic cells, but not within the normal cells of the body. 
 
The tests on the blood and bone marrow sample will include a chromosome analysis to look for any particular changes in the chromosomes. Different types of leukaemia are associated with particular genetic changes. These tests are known as cytogenetic tests. They can help your doctor decide the best treatment for you and predict how well you may respond to that treatment. 
 
Flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry: Flow cytometry tests look for certain substances on the surface of cells that help identify what types of cells they are. A sample of cells is treated with special antibodies (man-made versions of immune system proteins) that stick to the cells only if these substances are present on their surfaces. The cells are then passed in front of a laser beam. If the cells now have antibodies attached to them, the laser will cause them to give off light, which can be measured and analyzed by a computer. Groups of cells can be separated and counted by these methods. In immunohistochemistry tests, cells from the blood or bone marrow samples are also treated with special antibodies. But instead of using a laser and computer, the sample is treated so that certain types of cells change color when seen under a microscope. 
 
These tests are used for immunophenotyping – classifying leukemia cells according to the substances (antigens) on their surfaces and so it is very helpful in determining the exact type of leukemia. Different types of lymphocytes have different antigens on their surfaces. These antigens also change as each cell matures. Each patient’s leukemia cells all have the same antigens because they are all derived from the same cell. Lab testing for antigens is a very sensitive way to diagnose ALL. Because cells from different subtypes of ALL have different sets of antigens, this is sometimes helpful in ALL classification, although it is not needed in most cases. These tests also can be used to look at the cells from lymph nodes, blood samples, and even other body fluids (like spinal fluid). 
 
Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH): This is another type of chromosome test. It uses special fluorescent dyes that only attach to specific genes or parts of particular chromosomes. FISH can find most chromosome changes (such as translocations) that are visible under a microscope in standard cytogenetic tests, as well as some changes too small to be seen with usual cytogenetic testing. 
 
FISH can be used on regular blood or bone marrow samples. It can also be used to look at cells from other tissues, like lymph node samples. It is very accurate and can usually provide results within a couple of days. But because FISH only tests for certain gene changes (and doesn’t look at the chromosomes overall), it is best for looking for the changes that are important based on the kind of leukemia a person has. 
 
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR): This is a very sensitive DNA test that can also find certain gene changes too small to be seen with a microscope, even if very few leukemia cells are present in a sample. Like FISH, it is used to find particular gene changes and not to look at the chromosomes overall. It is often used to look for the gene made by the Philadelphia chromosome. If the leukemia cells have a particular gene (or chromosome) change, PCR can be used after treatment to try to find small numbers of leukemia cells that may not be visible with a microscope. 
 
Routine exams under a microscope: The bone marrow is looked at under a microscope by a pathologist (a doctor specializing in lab tests) and may be reviewed by the patient’s hematologist/oncologist (a doctor specializing in cancer and blood diseases). The doctors will look at the size, shape, and other traits of the white blood cells in the samples to classify them into specific types. A key factor is whether the cells appear mature (look like normal blood cells), or immature (lacking features of normal blood cells). The most immature cells are called lymphoblasts (or blasts for short). 
 
Determining what percentage of cells in the bone marrow are blasts is particularly important. A diagnosis of ALL generally requires that at least 20% to 30% of the cells in the bone marrow are blasts. Under normal circumstances, blasts are never more than 5% of bone marrow cells. Sometimes just counting and looking at the cells doesn’t provide a definite diagnosis, and other lab tests are needed. 
 
3. Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) 
A small sample of the fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord is taken to check for leukaemia cells. Your doctor uses a local anaesthetic to numb the lower part of your back and then passes a needle gently into the spine to draw off a tiny sample of the fluid. Having a lumbar puncture may be uncomfortable, but it only takes a few minutes. Some people may have a headache afterwards. If this happens let your doctor know so that they can prescribe painkillers for you. You may need to lie flat for a few hours afterwards. 
 
4. Lymph node biopsy 
Removing a lymph node or part of a lymph node is often an important procedure when diagnosing lymphomas, but is only rarely needed with leukemia because the diagnosis can be made looking at blood and bone marrow. In this procedure, a surgeon cuts through the skin to remove all or part of a lymph node. If the node is near the skin surface, this is a simple operation that can often be done with local anesthesia, but if the node is inside the chest or abdomen, general anesthesia is used to keep the patient asleep during the biopsy. When the entire lymph node is removed, it is called an excisional lymph node biopsy. If only part of the lymph node is removed, it is called an incisional lymph node biopsy. 
 </div>
</div>

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Diagnosis

A haematologist is a doctor who specialises in the treatment of blood problems. They will arrange for you to be seen quickly at the hosp...

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Classification

ancorez leukemia 9:05 AM

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4TR16yaI6xOtn6MR3bx7-4fjzYryWiy_RmrQPSGsbjJTqw4t4w5vCnWBh7XndDfpKpwZgAZGa6ZFHKvS5DAGi90LsT_q1SJsMA3PbOfv-JI55EXD0hUPFFaN5ZV6v1Z6cHQt57MQ-lw/s1600/Acute+Lymphocytic+Leukemia+Classification.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4TR16yaI6xOtn6MR3bx7-4fjzYryWiy_RmrQPSGsbjJTqw4t4w5vCnWBh7XndDfpKpwZgAZGa6ZFHKvS5DAGi90LsT_q1SJsMA3PbOfv-JI55EXD0hUPFFaN5ZV6v1Z6cHQt57MQ-lw/s200/Acute+Lymphocytic+Leukemia+Classification.jpg" width="169" /></a></div>
There are several systems of classification of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The classification is commonly used to determine treatment and predict the prognosis of the cancer. Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), on the other hand, does not usually form tumor masses. It generally affects all of the bone marrow in the body and, in many cases, might have spread to other organs, such as the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. Therefore the outlook for the patient with ALL depends on other information, such as the subtype of ALL (determined by lab tests), the age of the patient, and other lab test results. Different systems have been used to classify ALL into subtypes. 
 
1. The French-American-British (FAB) classification 
 
The French-American-British (FAB) classification that was used commonly earlier includes: 
<ul>
<li>L1 – Around 25 to 30% of adult cases and 85% of childhood cases of ALL are of this subtype. In this type small cells are seen with: 
<ul>
<li>regular nuclear shape</li>
<li>homogeneous chromatin</li>
<li>small or absent nucleolus</li>
<li>scanty cytoplasm</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>L2 – Around 70% of adult cases and 14% of childhood cases are of this type. The cells are large and or varied shapes with: 
<ul>
<li>irregular nuclear shape</li>
<li>heterogeneous chromatin</li>
<li>large nucleolus</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>L3 – This is a rarer subtype with only 1 to 2% cases. In this type the cells are large and uniform with vacuoles (bubble like features) in the cytoplasm overlying the nucleus.</li>
</ul>
 
2. Classification based on immunophenotype 
 
Doctors have found that cytogenetic tests, flow cytometry, and other lab tests provide more detailed information about the subtype of ALL and the patient’s prognosis. These tests help divide ALL into groups based on the immunophenotype of the leukemia, which takes into account: 
<ul>
<li>How mature these leukemia cells are</li>
<li>The type of lymphocyte (B cell or T cell) the leukemia cells come from</li>
</ul>
These groups have largely replaced the FAB classification. The subtypes of ALL are now named as follows: 
 
a. B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia 
<ul>
<li>Common acute lymphoblastic leukaemia – about 50% of cases</li>
<li>Early pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (also called pro-B acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) – about 10% of cases</li>
<li>Mature B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (Burkitt leukemia) – about 4% of cases</li>
<li>Pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukaemia – about 10% of cases</li>
</ul>
b. T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia 
<ul>
<li>Mature T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia – about 15% to 20% of cases</li>
<li>Pre-T acute lymphoblastic leukaemia – about 5% to 10% of cases</li>
</ul>
c. Mixed lineage acute leukemias 
In recent years, newer lab tests have shown that a small number of acute leukemias actually have both lymphocytic and myeloid features. Sometimes the leukemia cells have both myeloid and lymphocytic traits in the same cells. In other cases, a person may have some leukemia cells with myeloid features and others with lymphocytic features. These types of leukemias may be called mixed lineage leukemia, ALL with myeloid markers (My+ ALL), AML with lymphoid markers, or biphenotypic acute leukemia (BAL). 
 
Most studies suggest these leukemias tend to have a poorer outlook than standard subtypes of ALL or AML. Not all doctors agree on the best way to treat them. Intensive treatment (such as a stem cell transplant) is often used when possible, as there is a high risk of recurrence after treatment. 
 
3. Prognostic factors 
 
As leukemia treatment has improved over the years, research has focused on why some people have a better chance for cure than others. Differences in patients that affect response to treatment are called prognostic factors. They help doctors decide if people with a certain type of leukemia should get more or less treatment. 
<ul>
<li>Age. Younger patients tend to have a better prognosis than older patients. There is no set cutoff for this, but generally those younger than 50 do better than those in their 50s, while people in their 50s do better than those in their 60s or older.</li>
<li>ALL subtype. In general, T-cell ALL has a better prognosis, while mature B-cell ALL (Burkitt leukemia) has a poorer prognosis. Other subtypes of B-cell ALL fall somewhere in between. It’s important to note that this doesn’t apply to all cases. For instance, some subtypes of T-cell ALL have a better outlook than others.</li>
<li>Chromosome abnormalities. The presence of a translocation between chromosomes 4 and 11 in the leukemia cells predicts a poorer outlook, so does extra chromosome 8 or a missing chromosome 7. The presence of Philadelphia chromosome (a translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22) used to predict a poorer outlook, but not if modern targeted therapy drugs are used.</li>
<li>Initial white blood cell count. People with a lower WBC count (less than 30,000 for B-cell ALL and less than 100,000 for T-cell ALL) at the time of diagnosis tend to have a better prognosis.</li>
<li>Response to chemotherapy. Patients who go into a complete remission (no visible leukemia in the bone marrow – see below) within 4 to 5 weeks of starting treatment tend to have a better prognosis than those for whom this takes longer. Patients who don’t achieve a complete remission at all have a poorer outlook. The prognostic value of minimal residual disease (described below) is still being studied.</li>
</ul>
 
4. Status of acute lymphocytic leukemia after treatment 
<ul>
<li>Active disease. Active disease means that either there is evidence that the leukemia is still present during treatment or that the disease has relapsed (come back) after treatment. For a patient to be in relapse, more than 5% of the bone marrow must be made up of blast cells.</li>
<li>Minimal residual disease. Minimal residual disease (MRD) is a term used after treatment when leukemia cells can’t be found in the bone marrow using standard lab tests (such as looking at cells under a microscope), but they can still be detected with more sensitive tests (such as flow cytometry or PCR). Patients with MRD after treatment are more likely to have the leukemia relapse (come back after treatment) and overall have a poorer outlook than those who achieve a complete remission. Doctors are looking to see if these patients could benefit from further or more intensive treatment.</li>
<li>Remission. A remission (complete remission) is usually defined as the patient having no evidence of leukemia after treatment. This means the bone marrow contains fewer than 5% blast cells, the blood cell counts are within normal limits, and there are no signs or symptoms of the disease. A molecular complete remission means no evidence of leukemia cells in the bone marrow is found, even when using very sensitive lab tests, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Even when leukemia is in remission, this does not always mean that it has been cured.</li>
</ul>
 
 
 
 </div>
</div>

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Classification

There are several systems of classification of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) . The classification is commonly used to determine tre...

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

ancorez leukemia 8:22 AM

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxUgfdqVUByauJEW7FhWXNWVQ9jODCTlOkLG5F7yk16s7NtqXh6t3KRTwtLuU7h_bFSTAfMCX1BiUS6oooyipB5adB8qOq5x6EWoO2WV4hr3bdir60yN3t5RkWJkF9Dv6R48fwrJZpR0/s1600/Signs+and+Symptoms+of+Acute+Lymphocytic+Leukemia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmxUgfdqVUByauJEW7FhWXNWVQ9jODCTlOkLG5F7yk16s7NtqXh6t3KRTwtLuU7h_bFSTAfMCX1BiUS6oooyipB5adB8qOq5x6EWoO2WV4hr3bdir60yN3t5RkWJkF9Dv6R48fwrJZpR0/s200/Signs+and+Symptoms+of+Acute+Lymphocytic+Leukemia.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The signs and symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukemia or Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) are caused by the increased number of immature cells (blast cells) in the blood, which reduces the number of normal blood cells. Most of these occur in all kinds of ALL, but some are more common with certain subtypes. 
 
Signs 
 
The signs of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) that may give clue to the diagnosis of this condition includes: 
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Painless lumps in the neck, underarm or groin.</li>
<li>Pain below the ribs on left side, due an enlarged spleen</li>
<li>Joint pains due to swelling, bleeding or weakness</li>
</ul>
 
Symptoms 
 
The symptoms of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) tend to resemble other medical conditions. Each individual may experience the symptoms differently. These include: 
 
1. General symptoms. The general symptoms are similar to that of an attack of viral flu that keeps coming back. Patients with ALL often have several non-specific symptoms. These can include: 
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Weight loss</li>
<li>Night sweats</li>
<li>Fatigue</li>
<li>Loss of appetite</li>
<li>Frequent Fever</li>
<li>Frequent infections</li>
<li>Weakness</li>
</ul>
Of course, these are not just symptoms of acute lymphocytic leukemia and are more often caused by something other than leukemia. 
 
2. Bone or joint pain. Sometimes leukemia cells buildup near the surface of the bone or inside the joint and cause bone or joint pain. 
 
3. Enlarged lymph nodes. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia that has spread to lymph nodes close to the surface of the body (such as on the sides of the neck, in the groin, or in underarm areas), might be noticed as lumps under the skin. Lymph nodes inside the chest or abdomen may also swell, but these can be detected only by imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans. 
 
4. Problems caused by low blood cell counts. Most signs and symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukemia result from shortages of normal blood cells, which happen when the leukemia cells crowd out the normal blood-making cells in the bone marrow. These shortages show up on blood tests, but they can also cause symptoms, including: 
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Bleeding, such as frequent or severe nosebleeds and bleeding gums</li>
<li>Bruising easily</li>
<li>Feeling dizzy or lightheaded</li>
<li>Feeling tired</li>
<li>Feeling weak</li>
<li>Fever</li>
<li>Recurring infections</li>
<li>Shortness of breath</li>
</ul>
5. Spread to other organs. Less often, acute lymphoblastic leukemia spreads to other organs and forms tumors: 
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Acute lymphoblastic leukemia may spread to the chest cavity, where it can cause fluid buildup and trouble breathing.</li>
<li>If acute lymphoblastic leukemia spreads to the brain and spinal cord it can cause headaches, weakness, seizures, vomiting, trouble with balance, facial numbness, or blurred vision.</li>
<li>Rarely, acute lymphoblastic leukemia may spread to the skin, eyes, testicles, kidneys, or other organs.</li>
</ul>
6. Swelling in the abdomen. Leukemia cells may build up in the liver and spleen, causing them to enlarge. This might be noticed as a fullness or swelling of the belly or feeling full after eating only a small amount. The lower ribs usually cover these organs, but when they are enlarged the doctor can feel them. 
 
7. Symptoms from an enlarged thymus. The T-cell subtype of acute lymphoblastic leukemia often affects the thymus, which is a small organ in the middle of the chest behind the sternum (breastbone) and in front of the trachea (windpipe). An enlarged thymus can press on the trachea, causing coughing or trouble breathing. 
 
The superior vena cava (SVC), a large vein that carries blood from the head and arms back to the heart, passes next to the thymus. If the thymus is enlarged, it may press on the SVC, causing the blood to “back up” in the veins. This is known as SVC syndrome. It can cause swelling in the face, neck, arms, and upper chest (sometimes with a bluish-red color). It can also cause headaches, dizziness, and a change in consciousness if it affects the brain. The SVC syndrome can be life-threatening, and needs to be treated right away. 
 
Symptoms may appear very quickly over a few weeks, and treatment needs to be given as soon as possible. If you have any of these symptoms you should have them checked by your doctor, but remember they are common to many illnesses other than leukaemia. 
 </div>
 </div>

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

The signs and symptoms of acute lymphoblastic leukemia or Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL ) are caused by the increased number of immatu...

What is Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)?

ancorez leukemia 9:09 PM

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMhKV7sJGUnr9grRNz16cWL5rtWbVOGP1VXPjWR5XOXURV5M1IN_tzhW4nI9WTjM5nLNlTwJKAMifNpCTUxuHHWOu7fby1CsIMZn8n_EbfRoRNLQypSbqoSS3mCcOQ6eAKFctEYsu2Hg/s1600/What+is+Acute+Myeloid+Leukemia+(AML).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMhKV7sJGUnr9grRNz16cWL5rtWbVOGP1VXPjWR5XOXURV5M1IN_tzhW4nI9WTjM5nLNlTwJKAMifNpCTUxuHHWOu7fby1CsIMZn8n_EbfRoRNLQypSbqoSS3mCcOQ6eAKFctEYsu2Hg/s200/What+is+Acute+Myeloid+Leukemia+(AML).jpg" width="168" /></a></div>
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) also known as acute myelogenous leukemia or acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL). “Acute” means that the leukemia can progress quickly, and if not treated, would probably be fatal in a few months. “Myeloid” refers to the type of cell the leukemia starts from. 
 
Acute myeloid leukemia starts in the bone marrow (the soft inner part of the bones, where new blood cells are made), but in most cases it quickly moves into the blood. It can sometimes spread to other parts of the body including the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), and testicles. 
 
The symptoms of acute myeloid leukemia are caused by replacement of normal bone marrow with leukemic cells, which causes a drop in red blood cells, platelets, and normal white blood cells. These symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, easy bruising and bleeding, and increased risk of infection. Several risk factors and chromosomal abnormalities have been identified, but the specific cause is not clear. As an acute leukemia, AML progresses rapidly and is typically fatal within weeks or months if left untreated. 
 
Other types of cancer can start in these organs and then spread to the bone marrow. But these cancers that start elsewhere and then spread to the bone marrow are not leukemia. Acute leukemia that develops in lymphocytes is called acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). </div>
</div>

What is Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)?

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) also known as acute mye...

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)

ancorez leukemia 5:20 PM

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;">Definition 
 
Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), also called acute lymphoblastic leukemia, is a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow — the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are made. The word "acute" in acute lymphocytic leukemia comes from the fact that the disease progresses rapidly and creates immature blood cells, rather than mature ones. The "lymphocytic" in acute lymphocytic leukemia refers to the white blood cells called lymphocytes, which ALL affects. Acute lymphocytic leukemia is also known as acute lymphoblastic leukemia. 
 
Bone Marrow and Blood 
 
Bone marrow is the soft inner part of some bones, such as the skull, shoulder blades, ribs, pelvis, and bones in the spine. The bone marrow is made up of a small number of blood stem cells, more mature blood-forming cells, fat cells, and supporting tissues that help cells grow. 
 
Blood stem cells go through a series of changes to make new blood cells. During this process, the cells develop into 1 of the 3 main types of blood cell components: 
<ul><li>Red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to all other tissues in the body, and take carbon dioxide back to the lungs to be removed.</li>
<li>Platelets. Platelets are actually cell fragments made by a type of bone marrow cell called a megakaryocyte. Platelets are important in plugging up holes in blood vessels caused by cuts or bruises.</li>
<li>White blood cells (which include lymphocytes, granulocytes, and monocytes). White blood cells help the body fight infections.</li>
</ul>Lymphoid Tissue 
 
1. Lymphocytes 
These are the main cells that make up lymphoid tissue, a major part of the immune system. Lymphoid tissue is found in lymph nodes, the thymus, the spleen, the tonsils and adenoids, and is scattered throughout the digestive and respiratory systems and the bone marrow. 
 
Lymphocytes develop from cells called lymphoblasts to become mature, infection-fighting cells. The 2 main types of lymphocytes are B lymphocytes (B cells) and T lymphocytes (T cells). 
<ul><li>B lymphocytes: B lymphocytes protect the body from invading germs by maturing into plasma cells, which make proteins called antibodies. The antibodies attach to the germs (bacteria, viruses, and fungi), which helps the immune system destroy them.</li>
<li>T lymphocytes: There are several types of T cells, each with a special job. Some T cells can destroy germs directly, while others play a role in either boosting or slowing the activity of other immune system cells.</li>
</ul>Acute lymphocytic leukemia develops from early forms of lymphocytes. It can start in either early B cells or T cells at different stages of maturity. 
 
2. Monocytes 
These white blood cells, which are related to granulocytes, also help protect the body against bacteria. After circulating in the bloodstream for about a day, monocytes enter body tissues to become macrophages, which can destroy some germs by surrounding and digesting them. 
 
3. Granulocytes 
These are white blood cells that have granules in them, which are spots that can be seen under the microscope. These granules contain enzymes and other substances that can destroy germs, such as bacteria. The 3 types of granulocytes – neutrophils, basophils, and eosinophils – are distinguished by the size and color of their granules. 
 
Signs and Symptoms 
 
The signs and symptoms of ALL are variable but follow from bone marrow replacement and/or organ infiltration. They include: 
<ul><li>Anemia</li>
<li>Bone pain, joint pain (caused by the spread of "blast" cells to the surface of the bone or into the joint from the marrow cavity)</li>
<li>Breathlessness</li>
<li>Enlarged lymph nodes, liver and/or spleen</li>
<li>Excessive and unexplained bruising</li>
<li>Frequent or unexplained fever and infection</li>
<li>Generalized weakness and fatigue</li>
<li>Petechiae, which are tiny red spots or lines in the skin due to low platelet levels</li>
<li>Pitting edema (swelling) in the lower limbs and/or abdomen</li>
<li>Weight loss and/or loss of appetite</li>
</ul>Causes 
 
Most of the time, no clear cause can be found for ALL. But the following may play a role in the development of leukemia in general: 
<ul><li>Certain chromosome problems</li>
<li>Exposure to radiation, including x-rays before birth</li>
<li>Past treatment with chemotherapy drugs</li>
<li>Receiving a bone marrow transplant</li>
<li>Toxins such as benzene</li>
</ul><big>Risk Factors</big> 
 
Factors that may increase the risk of acute lymphocytic leukemia include: 
<ul><li>Previous cancer treatment. Children and adults who've had certain types of chemotherapy and radiation therapy for other kinds of cancer may have an increased risk of developing acute lymphocytic leukemia.</li>
<li>Exposure to radiation. People exposed to very high levels of radiation, such as survivors of a nuclear reactor accident, have an increased risk of developing acute lymphocytic leukemia.</li>
<li>Genetic disorders. Certain genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, are associated with an increased risk of acute lymphocytic leukemia.</li>
<li>Having a brother or sister with ALL. People who have a sibling, including a twin, with acute lymphocytic leukemia have an increased risk of ALL.</li>
</ul> 
Treatment 
 
In general, treatment for acute lymphocytic leukemia falls into separate phases: 
<ul><li>Induction therapy. The purpose of the first phase of treatment is to kill most of the leukemia cells in the blood and bone marrow and to restore normal blood cell production.</li>
<li>Consolidation therapy. Also called post-remission therapy, this phase of treatment is aimed at destroying any remaining leukemia in the body, such as in the brain or spinal cord.</li>
<li>Maintenance therapy. The third phase of treatment prevents leukemia cells from regrowing. The treatments used in this stage are often given at much lower doses over a long period of time, often years.</li>
<li>Preventive treatment to the spinal cord. People with acute lymphocytic leukemia may also receive treatment to kill leukemia cells located in the central nervous system during each phase of therapy. In this type of treatment, chemotherapy drugs are often injected directly into the fluid that covers the spinal cord.</li>
</ul>Depending on your situation, the phases of treatment for acute lymphocytic leukemia can span two to three years. Treatments may include: 
<ul><li>Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy, which uses drugs to kill cancer cells, is typically used as an induction therapy for children and adults with acute lymphocytic leukemia. Chemotherapy drugs can also be used in the consolidation and maintenance phases.</li>
<li>Targeted drug therapy. Targeted drugs attack specific abnormalities present in cancer cells that help them grow and thrive. A certain abnormality called the Philadelphia chromosome is found in some people with acute lymphocytic leukemia. For these people, targeted drugs may be used to attack cells that contain that abnormality. Targeted drugs include imatinib (Gleevec), dasatinib (Sprycel) and nilotinib (Tasigna). These drugs are approved only for people with the Philadelphia chromosome-positive form of ALL and can be taken during or after chemotherapy.</li>
<li>Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses high-powered beams, such as X-rays, to kill cancer cells. If the cancer cells have spread to the central nervous system, your doctor may recommend radiation therapy.</li>
<li>Stem cell transplant. A stem cell transplant may be used as consolidation therapy in people at high risk of relapse or for treating relapse when it occurs. This procedure allows someone with leukemia to re-establish healthy stem cells by replacing leukemic bone marrow with leukemia-free marrow from a healthy person. 
A stem cell transplant begins with high doses of chemotherapy or radiation to destroy any leukemia-producing bone marrow. The marrow is then replaced by bone marrow from a compatible donor (allogeneic transplant).</li>
<li>Clinical trials. Clinical trials are experiments to test new cancer treatments and new ways of using existing treatments. While clinical trials give you or your child a chance to try the latest cancer treatment, treatment benefits and risks may be uncertain. Discuss the benefits and risks of clinical trials with your doctor.</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZXahulqkwdco5tXthX63mZRYphtskyaavirX87LQsZ-UOvSavNflVTIqHi6HqCisP3iI7Ttn-2fnUoyJw5SvKhe3N-G7Kq4HJqXHRzDQPPpntZn4-_gVKPQL6FKitlsyoWb8fSLMdJw/s1600/Acute+Lymphocytic+Leukemia+(ALL).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZXahulqkwdco5tXthX63mZRYphtskyaavirX87LQsZ-UOvSavNflVTIqHi6HqCisP3iI7Ttn-2fnUoyJw5SvKhe3N-G7Kq4HJqXHRzDQPPpntZn4-_gVKPQL6FKitlsyoWb8fSLMdJw/s200/Acute+Lymphocytic+Leukemia+(ALL).jpg" width="200" /></a></div>ALL in older adults 
Older adults, such as those older than 60, tend to experience more complications from ALL treatments. And older adults generally have a worse prognosis than children who are treated for ALL. Discuss your options with your doctor. Based on your overall health and your goals and preferences, you may decide to undergo treatment for your ALL. Some people may choose to forgo treatment for the cancer, instead focusing on treatments that improve their symptoms and help them make the most of the time they have remaining. 
 
</div></div>

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)

Definition Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), also called acute lymphoblastic leukemia, is a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow — ...

Definition and Description of Leukemia

Gaptek_ancorez leukemia 6:04 PM

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<h1>
Definition</h1>
 
Leukemia is a <a href="http://cancer-666.blogspot.com/">cancer</a> of the blood cells. A progressive, malignant disease of the blood-forming organs, characterized by distorted proliferation and development of leukocytes and their precursors in the blood and bone marrow. Leukemias were originally termed acute or chronic based on life expectancy but now are classified according to cellular maturity. Acute leukemias consist of predominately immature cells; chronic leukemias are composed of more mature cells. 
 
<h2>
Description</h2>
 
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_CJlKy-5ue2AfIWniaca2ZMyODq7snI6aFCPtBMZqnBTIhjeTNhv6NTZLwuAafvO5oJAX2oRobeIMGXLROtXhZ8hkoCEHcDhs6PhDIsY28iDkKFVDDix7bmJVflBk21BzzUWCWI4GHzj/s1600/Definition+and+Description+of+Leukemias.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_CJlKy-5ue2AfIWniaca2ZMyODq7snI6aFCPtBMZqnBTIhjeTNhv6NTZLwuAafvO5oJAX2oRobeIMGXLROtXhZ8hkoCEHcDhs6PhDIsY28iDkKFVDDix7bmJVflBk21BzzUWCWI4GHzj/s320/Definition+and+Description+of+Leukemias.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Leukemia accounts for about 2% of all cancers. It strikes 9 out of every 100,000 people in the United States every year. Men are more likely to develop leukemia than women, and white people get the disease more than other racial or ethnic groups. Adults are 10 times more likely to develop leukemia than children. Leukemia occurs most often in the elderly. When leukemia occurs in children, it happens most often before age 4. 
 
Acute Leukemia 
 
With acute leukemia, immature blood cells reproduce quickly in the bone marrow, where they eventually crowd out healthy cells. When present in high numbers, these immature, abnormal cells sometimes can spread to other organs, causing damage, especially in a type of leukemia called acute myeloid leukemia. The two main types of acute leukemia involve different types of blood cells: 
<ul>
<li>Acute myeloid leukemia accounts for 50% of leukemia diagnosed in teenagers and in people in their 20s. It is the most common acute leukemia in adults. It occurs when primitive blood-forming cells called myeloblasts reproduce without developing into normal blood cells. Immature myeloblast cells crowd the bone marrow and interfere with the production of healthy normal blood cells. This leads to anemia (not having enough red blood cells), bleeding and bruising (due to a lack of blood platelets, which help the blood to clot), and frequent infections because there are not enough protective white blood cells.</li>
<li>Acute lymphoid leukemia is the most common type of leukemia that affects children, mainly those younger than 10. Adults sometimes develop acute lymphoid leukemia, but it is rare in people older than 50. It occurs when primitive blood-forming cells called lymphoblasts reproduce without developing into normal blood cells. These abnormal cells crowd out healthy blood cells. They can collect in the lymph nodes and cause swelling.</li>
</ul>
 
 
Chronic Leukemia 
 
 
Chronic leukemia is when the body produces too many blood cells that have developed part way but often cannot function like mature blood cells. Chronic leukemia usually develops more slowly and is a less dramatic illness than acute leukemia. There are two main types of chronic leukemia: 
<ul>
<li>Chronic myeloid leukemia occurs most often in people between ages 25 and 60. In this form of leukemia, the abnormal cells are a type of blood cell called myeloid cells. Chronic myeloid leukemia cells usually involve an abnormality in the genetic code called the Philadelphia chromosome. However, this disease is not an inherited defect. Chronic myeloid leukemia sometimes can be cured with a bone marrow transplant.</li>
<li>Chronic lymphoid leukemia is rare in people younger than 30. It is more likely to develop the older a person gets. The greatest number of cases occur in people between ages 60 and 70. In this form of leukemia, the abnormal cells in the bone marrow are a type of blood cell called lymphocytes. These abnormal cells cannot fight infection as well as normal cells can. With chronic lymphoid leukemia, cancerous cells live in the bone marrow, blood, spleen and lymph nodes, where they cause swelling that appears as swollen glands.</li>
</ul>
 
The vast majority of leukemias occur in people without any family history of leukemia and are not believed to be inherited. However, some forms of the disease, especially chronic lymphoid leukemia, occasionally strike close relatives in the same family. Certain genetic abnormalities (such as Down syndrome) have been linked to the development of specific forms of leukemia. In cases of myeloid leukemia, an increased risk of the illness has been linked to excessive exposure to radiation and to heavy exposure to benzene, a chemical found in unleaded gasoline.</div>
</div>

Definition and Description of Leukemia

Definition Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells. A progressive, malignant disease of the blood-forming organs, characterized by di...

CanCer-666

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Diagnosis

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Classification

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

What is Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)?

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)

Definition and Description of Leukemia

Health Products

Hot News

Random