BLOOD CANCER

[Mpimba]

Leukaemia:  Is a cancer of the blood or bone marrow and is characterized by an abnormal proliferation  (production  by multiplication)  of blood cells, usually white blood cells (leukocytes).  

Leukaemia is clinically and pathologically subdivided into several large groups.  
The first division is between its 
•Acute  leukaemia 
•  Chronic leukaemia Acute Leukaemia

  Acute leukaemia is characterized by the rapid  increase of immature blood cells or blasts in the bone marrow This crowding makes the bone marrow unable to produce healthy blood cells  
Immediate treatment is required in acute  leukaemia due to the rapid progression and accumulation of the malignant cells, which may then spill over into the bloodstream  and spread to other organs of the body.
 Death usually occurs within 6 months in most patients,
Acute forms of leukaemia  are the most common forms of leukaemia in children. 
 Chronic Leukaemia Chronic leukaemia is distinguished by the excessive build up of relatively mature, but still abnormal, white blood cells.  
Typically taking months or years to progress, the cells are produced at a much higher rate than normal cells, resulting in many abnormal white blood cells in the blood.  
Compared to acute leukaemia which must  be treated immediately, chronic forms are sometimes monitored for some  time before treatment to ensure maximum effectiveness of therapy. Chronic leukaemia mostly occurs in older people, but can theoretically occur in any age group. 

Risk Factors
 In majority of patients the causes of  leukaemia is unknown
 Several factors are however associated with  the development of leukaemia and these include  
•Ionizing radiation 
• Cytotoxic drugs 
•Exposure to benzene in industry 
•Retroviruses- human T-lymphocytic virus 
• Genetic 
•  Immunological causes .

Clinical Features of Acute Leukaemia.
Patients are usually ill looking  Symptoms  and signs develop over days or  couple of weeks. 
 The presentation may include the following 
•Pallor 
• Fever 
• Various infections 
•Abnormal bleeding 
•Painful & tender bones 
•Hepatosplenomegally (enlargement of liver and spleen) o  Enlargement of lymph nodes  in ALL is not uncommon  
•  Meningeal  infiltration (mostly in ALL) leads to  Headache Nausea Vomiting Visual disturbance 
Clinical Features of Chronic Leukaemia.
 Patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia  (CML) may have the following features 
•  Tiredness 
•  Weight loss 
•Breathlessness 
• Abdominal pain & discomfort  in about 90% of patients
•Lethargy 
• Anorexia 
•Night sweating 
•Abdominal fullness 
• Bruising, low grade fever, & palpitation .
 The principal clinical  finding is splenomegaly in 90%, and about 10% have massive spleenomegaly o  Hepatomegally in about 50% of patients o  About 25% of patients are asymptomatic at diagnosis 
°  Note: Lymphadenopathy is unusual 

If experienced sign and symptoms above, attend to the Hospitals Immediately for further management.