Myeloid leukaemia Health Dictionary

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Myeloid Leukaemia: From 1 Different Sources

a variety of *leukaemia in which the type of blood cell that proliferates abnormally originates in the blood-forming (myeloid) tissue of the bone marrow. Myeloid leukaemias may be acute or chronic and may involve any one of the cells produced by the marrow. Blood cells in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia contain a reciprocal *translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22 (see Philadelphia chromosome); molecular characterization of the translocation has led to the development of specific drugs to block the effects of this abnormality (see tyrosine kinase inhibitor).
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Leukaemia

Blood cancer... leukaemia

Myeloid

An adjective that relates to the granulocyte (see GRANULOCYTES) precursor cell in the BONE MARROW. For example, myeloid LEUKAEMIA, which arises from abnormal growth in the blood-forming tissue of the bone marrow.... myeloid

Leukaemia, Acute

A type of leukaemia in which excessive numbers of immature white blood cells called blasts are produced in the bone marrow. If untreated, acute leukaemia can be fatal within a few weeks or months. The abnormal cells may be of 2 types: lymphoblasts (immature lymphocytes) in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, and myeloblasts (immature forms of other types of white cell) in acute myeloblastic leukaemia.

Exposure to certain chemicals (such as benzene and some anticancer drugs) or high levels of radiation may be a cause in some cases. Inherited factors may also play a part; there is increased incidence in people with certain genetic disorders (such as Fanconi’s anaemia) and chromosomal abnormalities (such as Down’s syndrome). People with blood disorders such as chronic myeloid leukaemia (see leukaemia, chronic myeloid) and primary polycythaemia are at increased risk, as their bone marrow is already abnormal.

The symptoms and signs of acute leukaemia include bleeding gums, easy bruising, headache, bone pain, enlarged lymph nodes, and symptoms of anaemia, such as tiredness, pallor, and breathlessness on exertion. There may also be repeated chest or throat infections. The diagnosis is based on a bone marrow biopsy. Treatment includes transfusions of blood and platelets, the use of anticancer drugs, and possibly radiotherapy. A bone marrow transplant may also be required. The outlook depends on the type of leukaemia and the age of the patient. Chemotherapy has increased success rates and 6 in 10 children with the disease can now be cured, although treatment is less likely to be completely successful in adults.... leukaemia, acute

Leukaemia, Chronic Lymphocytic

A type of leukaemia caused by proliferation of mature lymphocytes. Although it is incurable, the disease is not always fatal. The cause is unknown.

Symptoms develop slowly, often over many years. As well as symptoms and signs common to acute forms of leukaemia (see leukaemia, acute), there may be enlargement of the liver and spleen, persistent raised temperature, and night sweats. Diagnosis is by blood tests and a bone marrow biopsy. In many mild cases, no treatment is needed. To treat severe cases, anticancer drugs are given, sometimes with radiotherapy.... leukaemia, chronic lymphocytic

Leukaemia, Chronic Myeloid

A type of leukaemia, also called chronic granulocytic leukaemia, which is caused by the overproduction of granulocytes, neutrophils, or polymorphonuclear leukocytes (see blood cells). The cause is unknown. This type of leukaemia usually has 2 phases: a chronic phase, which may last for several years, and a more cancerous phase, which is known as the blastic, accelerated, or acute phase.

During the chronic phase, symptoms may include fever, night sweats, and weight loss. Visual disturbances, abdominal pain, and priapism may also occur. The symptoms of the more cancerous phase are like those of the acute forms of leukaemia (see leukaemia, acute). The diagnosis is made from blood tests and a bone marrow biopsy. Treatment of the chronic phase includes anticancer drugs. When the disease transforms into the acute phase, treatment is similar to that given for acute leukaemia.... leukaemia, chronic myeloid

Hypoplastic Leukaemia

a stage of *leukaemia in which there is a decrease in the number of white cells, red cells, and platelets in the blood and reduced *haemopoiesis in the bone marrow.... hypoplastic leukaemia

Myeloid Tissue

a tissue in the *bone marrow in which the various classes of blood cells are produced. See also haemopoiesis.... myeloid tissue

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