Aleukemic leukemia

Aleukemic leukemia is a rare form of leukemia, a group of cancers that generally begin in the bone marrow and result in high numbers of abnormal white blood cells. In aleukemic leukemia, the abnormal white blood cells do not appear in the bloodstream, making it more difficult to diagnose.

Definition

Aleukemic leukemia, also known as "aleukemic variant," is a subtype of leukemia in which leukemic cells are not visible in the peripheral blood at the time of diagnosis. The term "aleukemic" is derived from the Greek words "a-" (without), "leuko-" (white), and "-emia" (blood), signifying the absence of white blood cells in the blood.

Types

There are several types of aleukemic leukemia, including aleukemic lymphoblastic leukemia and aleukemic myeloid leukemia. These types are classified based on the type of cell that is primarily affected.

Symptoms

The symptoms of aleukemic leukemia are similar to those of other types of leukemia and may include fatigue, fever, weight loss, and bone pain. However, because the disease does not result in a high number of white blood cells in the blood, it may not be detected until it has progressed to a more advanced stage.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of aleukemic leukemia typically involves a bone marrow biopsy, in which a small sample of bone marrow is removed and examined under a microscope. This allows doctors to identify the presence of abnormal cells that may not be visible in the blood.

Treatment

Treatment for aleukemic leukemia typically involves chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and in some cases, a bone marrow transplant. The specific treatment plan will depend on the type of aleukemic leukemia, the patient's overall health, and other factors.

Prognosis

The prognosis for aleukemic leukemia varies depending on a number of factors, including the type of leukemia, the patient's age and overall health, and the stage of the disease at diagnosis.

See also

• Leukemia
• Bone marrow transplant
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy