Aleukemia
Aleukemia is a condition characterized by a normal or reduced white blood cell count in the bloodstream while leukemia cells are present in the bone marrow. This phenomenon can occur across various forms of leukemia, including acute and chronic myelogenous and lymphatic leukemias. Risk factors for developing aleukemia mirror those associated with leukemia generally, encompassing factors such as age, genetic predispositions, chemical exposures (like benzene), previous chemotherapy treatments, and high radiation or tobacco smoke exposure. The underlying cause involves damage to the DNA of blood cells, disrupting normal development and leading to a predominance of immature cells. Symptoms may be absent or can include fatigue, weight loss, easy bruising, fever, and increased susceptibility to infections. Diagnosing aleukemia typically involves blood tests and bone marrow examinations when a low white blood cell count is noted. Treatment approaches vary depending on the specific type of leukemia and its progression, with some cases progressing slowly and delaying treatment until necessary. The prognosis and potential for remission are dependent on the particular leukemia type and its advancement when diagnosed.
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Subject Terms
Aleukemia
ALSO KNOWN AS: Aleukemic myelosis, aleukemic leukemia
RELATED CONDITIONS:Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), acute lymphatic leukemia (ALL), and chronic lymphatic leukemia (CLL), Aleukemic leukemia cutis (ALC)
DEFINITION: Aleukemia describes a condition in which a patient has a normal or reduced leukocyte, or white blood cell, count in the circulating blood or, in the case of Aleukemic leukemia cutis, in the skin. Leukemia cells are present in the bone marrow. Leukemia cells may also be present in the blood. Aleukemia may be present in any type of leukemia: AML, CML, ALL, CLL, and ALC.
Risk factors: The risk factors are the same as those for leukemia. The risks include age, genetic diseases, prolonged exposure to some chemicals such as benzene, chemotherapies used to treat other forms of cancer, and exposure to high doses of radiation or tobacco smoke.
Etiology and the disease process: Aleukemias start when there is damage to the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of blood cells. Normal cell development is interrupted, causing a decrease of mature cells and an increase in immature cells.
Incidence: Aleukemia is more prevalent in hairy cell leukemia, which is a slow-growing subtype of CLL.
Symptoms: There may be no symptoms present. Patients may experience fatigue, weight loss, easy bruising, fever, and infections.
Screening and diagnosis: No specific screening test exists for aleukemia. A low white blood cell count found when a (CBC) is done as part of a routine exam or in response to symptoms may lead to further testing and diagnosis. Diagnosis is made by the examination of blood smears and bone marrow for the presence of leukemia cells.
Treatment and therapy: Treatment depends on the type of cell involved and the classification. In leukemias that progress slowly, treatment may not start until the disease is more advanced.
Prognosis, prevention, and outcomes: Prognosis depends on the type of cell involved and the rate of progression. No method of prevention exists. Treatment may slow the progress of the disease or cause complete remission. Some types of leukemia may not respond to treatment.
Bibliography
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Aboutalebi, A., et al. "Aleukemic Cutaneous Myeloid Sarcoma." Journal of Cutaneous Pathology 40.12 (2013): 996–1005. Print.
Atay, Didem, Emine Turkkan, and Kubra Boluk. "Aleukemic Leukemia Cutis: AN Unusual Rash in a Child." Turkish Journal of Haematology 31.2 (2014): 213–15. Print.
Baig, Mirza Qaiser. Principles and Practice of Chemotherapy. London: Jaypee, 2012. Print.
Landers, Maeran C., et al. "Spontaneous Regression of Aleukemia Congenital Leukemia Cutis." Pediatric Dermatology 22.1 (2005): 26–30. Print.
Stedman's Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing. 7th ed. Baltimore: Lippincott, 2011. Print.