Pathophysiology of Leukemia
Email This Post
· 
Print This Post
Leukemia is malignant neoplasms of the cells derived from either the myeloid or lymphoid line of the hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. Proliferating abnormal and immature cells (blast) spill out into the blood and infiltrate the spleen, lymph nodes, and other tissue. Acute leukemias are characterized by rapid progression of symptoms. High numbers (greater than 50,000/mm3) of circulating blast weaken blood vessel walls, with high risk for rupture and bleeding, including intracranial hemorrhage.
Lymphocytic leukemias involve immature lymphocytes and their progenitors. They arise in the bone marrows but infiltrate the spleen, lymph nodes, central nervous system (CNS), and other tissues. Myelogenous leukemias involve the pluripotent myeloid stem cells and, thus, interfere with the maturation of granulocytes, erythrocytes, and thrombocytes. Acute myelogenous leukemias (AML) and acute lymphatic leukemia (ALL) have similar presentations and courses. Approximately half of new leukemias are acute. Approximately 85 % of acute leukemias in adults are AML, and incidence of AML increases with age. ALL is the most common cancer in children, with peak incidence between ages 2 and 9.
Although the cause of leukemias is unknown, predisposing factors include genetic susceptibility, exposure to ionizing radiation or certain chemicals and toxins, some genetic disorder (Down syndromes, Fanconi’s anemia), and human T-cell leukemia-lymphoma virus. Complications include infection, leukostasis leading to hemorrhage, renal failure, tumor lysis syndrome, and disseminating intravascular coagulation.
Advertisements:
Related posts:
- Leukemia Case Study Introduction Leukemias are cancers of the blood-forming tissues. White blood...
- Nursing Care Plan – Leukemia Leukemia is a cancer of the blood or bone marrow...
- Pathophysiology of Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) Cerebrovascular accident or stroke (also called brain attack) results...
- Pathophysiology of AIDS/HIV Human beings produce antibodies against specific infections. When HIV...
- Hodgkin’s Disease Is a malignant lymphoma of the reticuloendothelial system that...
Find Your Nursing Topic:
2 Responses for “Pathophysiology of Leukemia”
Leave a Reply
DISCLAIMER: Comments expressed in this website are those of the readers and do not necessarily reflect the position of NursingCrib.com or any of its sister sites. NursingCrib.com does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of readers exercising their right to free expression.
All articles in this site was meant for educational purposes only. We don’t claim full ownership of the videos, pictures and some articles posted on this site. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Loading ...
thank you so much… this site helps a lot! very informative….
It is happy to see your posting. Yes really informative article. I will tell this information again to my friend, oh yes I suggest you to check my blog on http://www.leukemiasolution.blogspot.com , I hope the article on my blog will be usefull for you… and we can share each other. thank you… ;-)