Question

What is the pathophysiology of leukemia disease

Answer 1

Leukemia is a white blood cells neoplastic (cancerous) disorder in this disorder the blood cells can highly proliferate and produce abnormal amount of blood cells. Leukemias are characterized by one or more types of leukocytes present as nonfunctional, immature, and undifferentiated cells that increase uncontrollably in bone marrow. It can occur when the white blood cell's DNA is damaged in some or the other way resulting in abnormality in growth. The symptoms include poor clotting, poor immunity, anemia, tiredness, headaches, nausea and others. They are heterogeneous in origin, and are classified based on the cell type affected. Based on their severity, they are either acute leukemia or chronic leukemia.

Acute leukemia: It is identified by a high number of nonfunctional and immature blast cells in peripheral circulation and the bone marrow. The onset of acute leukemia is generally abrupt and is marked by an infection, which is unresponsive to treatment or excessive bleeding.

Signs of acute leukemia are multiple Infections due to nonfunctional WBCs, anemia, severe hemorrhage, and severe pain in bone, fever, and weight loss. Diagnostic tests for chronic and acute leukemia are similar.

A peripheral blood smear shows the altered number of WBCs. Biopsy of bone marrow confirms the diagnosis. Treatment of acute leukemia includes drugs and chemotherapy. In case chemotherapy is found ineffective, bone marrow transplant can be considered.

Chronic leukemia: In this leukemic cells are mature, and the onset is insidious. Chronic leukemia has milder signs such as fatigue, frequent infections, swollen lymph nodes, and weakness.

The cancer progress is slower in this case, as compared to acute leukemia in the interferons may be used in biological therapy to stimulate the immune system in chronic leukemia. The course of chronic myelogenous leukemia may accelerate to an acute stage.

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