Etiology:
Unknown.
Mutations in DNA
Precipitating factors:
-exposure to radiation
-HTLV-1 virus
-genetic abnormalities
-chromosomal translocations
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Activate oncogene and
deactivate tumor
suppresor gene
Malignant
transformation of
lymphoid stem cells
Proliferation of
lymphoblast in
bone marrow
Clinical manifestations:
-joint pain
-bone pain
Lymphoblast replaces
normal bone marrow
Decreased
production of
normal blood cells
Organ infiltration
-Cell rupture in liver/spleen
-overgrown thymus,
suppresion of SVC
-esophogeal compression,
severe hypoxia
-lymphadenopathy
Clinical manifestations:
-bruise and bleed easily
-anemia
-fatigue
-dizziness
-palpitations
-dyspnea
Treatment:
-blood transfusion
-epoetin and
hemapoetic stimulants
Clinical manifestations:
-fever, chills, seizure
-headache, weakness, blurred vision, vomiting, lethargy
-increased CFS, leukocytes
-cranial nerve palsies, confusion, optic neuropathy,
papilledema
-shortness of breath, cough, suffocation, wheezes, respiratory
tract obstruction
-dysphagia
-hemoptysis
-hypotension, tachypnea, tachycardia
-hepatomegaly, splenomegaly
Treatment:
chemotherapy, O2.
administration,
bronchodilators