Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia

Acute leukemia (AL) is a clonal malignant disease of hematopoietic stem cells; abnormal blasts overproliferate in marrow/hematopoietic tissue and spill into peripheral blood, suppressing normal hematopoiesis and causing leukemic-cell infiltration of organs. Clinical: anemia, secondary infection, bleeding, hepatosplenomegaly, lymph-node enlargement, other infiltrative signs. Marrow: increased blasts/promyelocytes with cytoplasmic changes (nuclear deformity); blood: leukocytosis, anemia/thrombocytopenia/pancytopenia, many blasts. Rapid course; natural history only months.

Common Symptoms

Chronic anemia; persistent fever; lymph-node enlargement; oral bleeding

Causes and Pathogenesis

Complex etiology: viral infection, radiation, chemical factors, drugs, genetics. Leading cancer in children/<35y. (1) Viral: type-C RNA tumor virus. (2) Ionizing radiation: Hiroshima/Nagasaki; high-dose radiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis (10x risk). (3) Chemical: benzene/chloramphenicol; aminopyrine/sulfonamides/phenylbutazone. (4) Genetic: Down syndrome 15-20x; Bloom/Fanconi/Klinefelter syndromes; familial/congenital cases.

Treatment

Drug, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

(1) Avoid excessive X-rays/radiation. (2) Don't abuse chloramphenicol/cytotoxic/immunosuppressants. (3) Reduce benzene exposure. (4) Prevent complications. Skin integrity: avoid trauma/electric razor/tight clothing/tourniquets. Oral: soft diet, soft toothbrush, low-alcohol mouthwash, Vaseline on lips. GI: hydration/activity, stool softeners, avoid enemas/suppositories. Upper airway: humidify 40%, sit upright for epistaxis. GU: 3000ml/day water, avoid vaginal douches, water-based lubricants. Avoid raised ICP when platelets <20x10^9/L.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Hematology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.