Promyelocytic leukemia
Promyelocytic leukemia
Promyelocytic leukemia (pronounced pro-my-uh-loh-SY-tik loo-KEE-mee-uh) is a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow and disrupts the normal production of blood cells.
Etymology
The term "Promyelocytic leukemia" is derived from the Greek words "pro" meaning "before", "myelos" meaning "marrow", and "leukos" meaning "white". It refers to a condition where immature cells (promyelocytes) in the bone marrow that would normally develop into white blood cells become cancerous.
Definition
Promyelocytic leukemia is a subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells that accumulate in the bone marrow and interfere with the production of normal blood cells. It is specifically associated with a translocation of chromosomes 15 and 17, which leads to the production of an abnormal fusion protein, PML/RARα.
Symptoms
Symptoms of promyelocytic leukemia may include fatigue, shortness of breath, easy bruising and bleeding, and increased risk of infections due to a decrease in normal white blood cells.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of promyelocytic leukemia typically involves blood tests, bone marrow tests, and genetic testing to identify the characteristic chromosomal translocation.
Treatment
Treatment for promyelocytic leukemia usually involves chemotherapy, and a medication called all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), which encourages the immature blood cells to develop into mature white blood cells.
Prognosis
With treatment, the prognosis for promyelocytic leukemia is generally favorable compared to other types of leukemia. However, the prognosis can vary depending on factors such as the patient's age and overall health.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Promyelocytic leukemia
- Wikipedia's article - Promyelocytic leukemia
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