Neoplasia V

• Leukaemias are cancers of the white blood cells that begin in the bone marrow
• Leukaemias are grouped according to the type of white blood cell affected (lymphoid or myeloid) and how quickly the disease develops and worsens (acute or chronic)
• Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) is the malignant transformation of a myeloid precursor
• AML is most frequent in adults, rare in childhood, and characterized by AML blasts taking over the bone marrow
• Specific manifestations of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia include gum hypertrophy, hepatosplenomegaly, skin deposits, lymphadenopathy, renal damage, and bleeding tendency
• Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) is the malignant transformation of a lymphoid precursor
• ALL is most common in children, with specific manifestations including bone pain, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, mediastinal mass, and testicular swelling
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) is more common in older age and presents with symptoms like lymphocytosis, lymphadenopathy, spleen, and liver enlargement
• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) typically affects middle-aged individuals and is characterized by marked leukocytosis and splenomegaly
• Investigations for Acute Leukaemia include FBC, bone marrow aspirate, trephine, immunophenotyping, and molecular analysis
• Management of Acute Leukaemia involves chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant, and supportive care to manage infections, bleeding, and other complications
• Hyperviscosity syndrome can occur in conditions like leukemias due to increased blood viscosity
• Management of Chronic Leukaemia includes tyrosine kinase inhibitors for CML, treatment based on disease progression for CLL, and JAK2 inhibitors for myeloproliferative neoplasms