Deciphering My Myeloma Lab Results - HealthTree For AML
What Are The Most Common Types Of Leukemia?
Chronic types of leukemia tend to affect middle-aged to older adults, while acute versions mostly affect children and young adults. CML, CLL, and AML are fairly common types of leukemia affecting children and adults.
Leukemia refers to a type of cancer that impacts your blood cells and bone marrow.
The outlook for leukemia is difficult to predict due to the different types. Some leukemias are slow-growing (chronic), while others spread rapidly (acute). Each type has specific symptoms and treatment options.
CML starts in a type of white blood cell in your bone marrow called a granulocyte. It causes these cells to grow out of control.
Also called chronic granulocytic (or myeloid) leukemia, CML is partially associated with gene mutations called Philadelphia chromosomes.
This type of leukemia is most common in middle-aged adults and is rare in children. It's estimated that 15% of leukemia cases in adults are CML.
As CML progresses, granulocytes grow rapidly and out of control in your bone marrow, crowding out healthy red and white blood cells.
Some of the initial symptoms include:
In some people, CML causes no symptoms at all.
TreatmentsOne promising area of treatment for CML involves targeted therapies that treat abnormal mutations from the Philadelphia chromosome. Researchers have found that targeted therapies can help people with CML survive closer to a "normal" life expectancy.
Vs. Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML)CMML is a type of leukemia that causes an abnormally high number of white cells — in this case, monocytes. Symptoms may include fatigue, bone pain, unresolved infections, easy bruising and bleeding, and unexpected weight loss.
Stem cell transplants and chemotherapy are common treatments for CMML.
Read more about the differences between CML and CMML.
CLL also occurs in the bone marrow, leading to the production of too many lymphocytes, another type of white blood cell.
Like CML, CLL tends to occur in middle-aged adults and is one of the most common types of adult-onset leukemia. CLL is also rare in children.
Unlike CML, CLL develops slowly. Some of the symptoms include:
You may not experience symptoms until CLL reaches a later phase.
Hairy cell leukemia (HCL)HCL is a rare form of CLL that causes the same symptoms as CLL. It's called a "hairy" cell because of the way the cancerous cells look under a microscope.
HCL is thought to occur mostly in older males, though the exact cause isn't known. Unlike other types of leukemia, HCL isn't defined by stages. It's also more difficult to treat and may recur despite standard treatments.
TreatmentsTargeted therapies are also used in early CLL cases. Research has shown that combination therapies may be more effective than using one targeted therapy at a time.
Another potential future treatment may include the use of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. This type of immunotherapy alters healthy cells in a way they may more effectively attack cancerous ones.
Researchers are also investigating the possibility of additional targeted therapies to help treat HCL.
AML occurs when abnormal white blood cells called myeloblasts are present in the body. This type of cancer is also called acute myelogenous, granulocytic, nonlymphocytic, or myeloblastic leukemia.
The most common form of acute (fast-developing) leukemia among adults, AML is also the most critical because it progresses rapidly. Some adults previously treated for acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) as children may develop AML later in life.
TreatmentsAML is most commonly treated with chemotherapy (with or without stem cell transplant) and radiation therapy. Various targeted therapies are relatively new in the treatment of AML, and different combinations are being researched further.
Also known as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), ALL is caused by the creation of too many lymphocytes. Unlike the chronic version of this cancer (CLL), ALL rapidly progresses if left untreated. However, ALL may respond quicker to treatment than AML.
Also, while CLL is more common in adults, ALL is more prevalent in children. However, certain risk factors may increase the risk of ALL in adults, such as being a white male over the age of 70.
TreatmentsCAR T-cell therapy is currently used in children and young adults with ALL. As with CLL, research is ongoing into the possibility of using CAR T-cells for older adults with this type of cancer.
The exact type of treatment depends on the stage and type of leukemia you have, as well as your age.
Targeted therapies are used in earlier phases of this cancer, while surgeries and stem cell transplants are used when other treatment options haven't worked. Stem cell transplants are also typically used in children.
Unlike other types of leukemia, treatment for CLL and HCL may include watchful waiting in the early stages due to their slower rates of progression.
Both ALL and AML progress rapidly. Early treatment is important to help prevent further spread.
A leukemia diagnosis can be challenging to process for both you and your loved ones, no matter which type you may have.
First, consider learning as much as you can about your cancer diagnosis. Talking with a doctor and asking them questions about treatment options and factors that affect your prognosis, may help you gain clarity.
Also, you may want to enlist the help of friends and loved ones for emotional support and assistance with daily tasks as you start cancer treatment.
For additional help, consider asking a doctor for local or virtual leukemia support groups. Such groups consist of individuals sharing similar experiences who may seek or offer advice while also helping you feel less alone.
Overall, the exact outlook for all types of leukemia depends on:
AML and ALL progress quickly. It's estimated that 1.5% of all people in the United States will develop leukemia in their lifetime. However, the overall mortality rate continues to decline, thanks to developing treatments.
Because everyone responds to leukemia medications differently, it's important to continue talking with a doctor about all of your options.
The exact treatment and prognosis for leukemia depends greatly on the type due to each one's differing effects on your blood cells. You may also need slower or more aggressive treatment depending on whether the case is chronic or acute.
Having friends and loved ones help you with anything you need, as well as a support group to share your experiences and learn from others, can help you prepare for and cope with the next steps in your journey.
2 Types Of Turner SyndromeEffect On Girls
Turner syndrome is a rare female-only genetic disorder that affects around one in every 2,500 baby girls. It is characterized by the partial or total loss of the second sex chromosome and is associated with growth problems and underdevelopment of the ovaries. There is no cure for this condition, but medication and therapies can be used to manage some of the symptoms.
What is Turner syndrome?Turner syndrome also known as gonadal dysgenesis is a genetic disorder that affects only girls. Human beings generally have 23 pairs of chromosomes – a total of 46 chromosomes. One of these chromosome pairs dictates a person's sex at birth. The condition occurs when one of the sex hormones is partial or missing. This chromosomal abnormality affects the growth and sexual development of girls with Turner syndrome, as well as causing a range of other difficulties.
Variations of Turner syndromeThere are two types of Turner syndrome:
The condition occurs randomly during conception. There is nothing you can do to reduce the risk of this happening. Scientists do not know why this condition occurs randomly. Maternal age is not a factor, and family history doesn't increase your likelihood of having a daughter with Turner syndrome.
Some girls are given an early diagnosis because symptoms are present at birth. Potential symptoms present at birth are:
There is a wide range of symptoms associated with this condition. Common symptoms are:
Other varying symptoms are:
Children with this condition often exhibit normal growth until age three, when their growth slows. At puberty, the height difference between most girls with the condition and their peers increases. Women with untreated Turner syndrome might be significantly shorter than their peers. High-doses of hormone treatments can improve growth and reduce this difference by around 5 cm.
Does Turner syndrome effect infertility?Turner syndrome is characterized by a missing sex chromosome. During puberty, ovaries start to produce estrogen and, later, progesterone. These hormones are the catalyst for a girl to start her menstrual periods. Girls with Turner syndrome do not produce enough of these hormones to trigger menstruation.
Girls with this condition might need hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to aid their sexual development. They are also likely to need help having a baby. Some women that carry the condition can conceive naturally.
Although infertility is common among girls with the syndrome, and they are likely to be infertile, the reproductive organs develop normally, allowing women who have the syndrome to have a normal sex life.
Infertility is common among women with the syndrome. Very few women with this condition can conceive naturally. Assisted conception, such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), can help women with Turner Syndrome to have a baby.
Turner syndrome facial featuresGirls and women with the syndrome might have some of the following physical characteristics:
Other physical features associated are:
Some girls make it through early childhood and into their teenage years without a diagnosis. Often, a doctor will diagnose Turner syndrome when a girl doesn't show signs of the sexual development associated with normal puberty. Amniocentesis is a diagnostic test that can identify cases in utero.
To learn more about amniocentesis, look at BellyBelly's article Amniocentesis: Definition, Risks And What To Expect.
It is possible to diagnose this condition during pregnancy. Some cases are diagnosed at a routine ultrasound scan if kidney or heart problems are identified. Lymphoedema causes swelling, which can also be visible on an ultrasound scan.
Other conditions associated with Turner syndromeWomen and girls born with Gonadal Dysgenesis can also be affected by associated conditions, including:
Women and girls with the condition are usually within the normal range for intelligence; they are, however, at increased risk of certain learning difficulties.The following learning difficulties are associated:
There is no cure for this condition, though it is possible to treat some symptoms. Regular health checks can help girls and women with the syndrome to lead a healthy, normal life.
Depending on her symptoms, a child diagnosed is likely to have access to a team of medical specialists, including:
Possible treatments are:
Women with Turner syndrome have an increased risk of complications during pregnancy. If you have this condition, it's essential to inform your doctor when you discover you're pregnant. You will be under the care of a heart specialist for the duration of your pregnancy. It's also essential to choose an OBGYN who is experienced in high-risk pregnancies.
Turner syndrome and life expectancySadly, women with the syndrome have a shorter than average life expectancy. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, life expectancy was shorter for people with Turner syndrome, and heart problems were a common cause of death.
Regular health checks and early treatment for any health problems can help to improve life expectancy.
Can Turner syndrome be prevented?No. There is nothing you can do to prevent Turner syndrome. It occurs randomly. If your baby is diagnosed with the condition, there isn't anything you could have done to prevent it, and you shouldn't blame yourself.
What to expect if your baby has Turner syndromeThe impact of Turner syndrome can vary wildly between individuals. It's not possible to predict how your child will be affected. The best thing you can do is educate yourself about the condition so you are able to spot potential problems as they arise. It's crucial to make sure your child has access to a team of specialists from birth. If your child has Turner syndrome diagnosed, you will be offered support to help you be an advocate for your child.
Pregnancy Complications: Why Are Chromosomal Problems In Children More Prevalent Among Late Pregnancies?
As more people start families later in life, understanding the risks associated with late pregnancies has become increasingly important. Chromosomal abnormalities are genetic disorders resulting from changes in the number or structure of chromosomes and are notably more common among older parents. These abnormalities can lead to developmental and health issues in children, and their prevalence increases as maternal and paternal ages rise. We spoke to our expert Dr Asha Dalal, Director, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, who shared insights on the same.
"Chromosomal abnormalities are genetic disorders that occur due to changes in the number or structure of chromosomes, leading to developmental and health issues in children. These abnormalities are more prevalent among late pregnancies, typically defined as pregnancies in women aged 35 and above," said Dr Dalal.
According to the Italian Journal of Pediatrics, chromosomal abnormalities are closely linked to negative pregnancy outcomes, including early fetal loss, stillbirths, and other congenital birth defects. Around half of the fetal tissue from abnormal pregnancies and spontaneous abortions show chromosomal abnormalities.
The Role of Maternal Age Increased Risk of NondisjunctionThis occurs when chromosomes fail to separate properly during cell division, resulting in eggs with abnormal chromosome numbers. "As women age, the mechanisms ensuring proper chromosomal separation become less efficient, increasing the risk of nondisjunction and, consequently, chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome (trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), and Patau syndrome (trisomy 13)," said Dr Dalal.
Decreased Egg QualityIt is normal for a woman's eggs to decline over time due to ageing. By the age of 35, the remaining eggs are more likely to have chromosomal anomalies.
Also Read: Know the Possible Risks of Late Pregnancy From Gynaecologist
Accumulation of Genetic Mutations Oxidative StressOver time, cells accumulate damage from oxidative stress, which can lead to mutations in the DNA of eggs. These mutations can contribute to chromosomal abnormalities.
Environmental Factors"Exposure to environmental toxins, radiation, and lifestyle factors, such as smoking and poor diet can cause genetic mutations. The longer the exposure period, the higher the risk of chromosomal problems in eggs," added Dr Dalal.
The Role of Paternal AgeWhile maternal age has a more significant impact, paternal age also plays a role in the prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities.
Sperm QualityAs men get older, the quality of their sperm tends to deteriorate. Older sperm are more likely to have DNA fragmentation, which can contribute to chromosomal abnormalities in the resulting embryos.
Alterations in Gene Expression"Epigenetic changes, which affect how genes are expressed without altering the DNA sequence, can accumulate with age. These changes can influence sperm quality and increase the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in children conceived by older fathers," said Dr Dalal.
Also Read: Chromosome Testing: How It Helps Prepare For Your Baby's Arrival, Expert Weighs In
Implications for Late PregnanciesThe increased prevalence of chromosomal problems in children born to older parents has several implications:
Prenatal Screening and Diagnosis"For older pregnant women, healthcare providers often recommend more comprehensive prenatal screening tests, such as Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT), amniocentesis, and Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)," said Dr Dalal. These tests can detect chromosomal abnormalities early in the pregnancy, allowing parents to make informed decisions about their care.
Genetic CounsellingGenetic counselling is essential for older couples planning to conceive. Genetic counsellors can provide information on the risks of chromosomal abnormalities, discuss the available testing options, and help couples understand the potential outcomes and implications.
Fertility Treatments Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)For older women experiencing fertility issues, ART, such as In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) with Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) can help identify and select embryos without chromosomal abnormalities. This increases the chances of a healthy pregnancy and reduces the risk of chromosomal problems.
Egg FreezingIt is now an option for women who do not want a pregnancy till late in life. This ensures that you have good-quality eggs when you desire a pregnancy.
BottomlineDr Dala concluded, "Chromosomal problems in children are more prevalent among late pregnancies primarily due to the age-related decline in egg and sperm quality and the increased risk of genetic mutations and nondisjunction. Understanding these risks and the mechanisms behind them is crucial for healthcare providers and parents-to-be."
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]
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