myeloid leukemia
Noun A type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow. It is characterized by the rapid production of abnormal white blood cells, specifically those of the myeloid lineage (which normally develop into granulocytes, red blood cells, or platelets). These abnormal cells, called blasts, are immature and do not function properly. They accumulate in the bone marrow and blood, interfering with the production of normal blood cells.
The term "myeloid leukemia" is used in medical contexts to diagnose and classify a specific form of leukemia. It is often preceded by modifiers that specify its chronicity or genetic features. * The patient was diagnosed with myeloid leukemia after a bone marrow biopsy. * Treatment for myeloid leukemia often involves chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation. * Research is focused on new targeted therapies for myeloid leukemia.
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): A rapidly progressing form where immature myeloid cells (blasts) accumulate quickly.
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): A slower-progressing form often associated with a specific genetic abnormality called the Philadelphia chromosome.
- The phrase "myeloid blast crisis" refers to a dangerous phase in CML where the disease transforms to behave like an acute leukemia.
- Myelogenous leukemia: A synonym often used interchangeably with "myeloid leukemia."
- Granulocytic leukemia: Another synonym emphasizing the involvement of granulocyte precursors.
- Leukemia: The general term for cancers of the blood-forming tissues.
- Myeloid: (Adjective) Pertaining to, derived from, or resembling bone marrow or the myelocyte cell line.
- Myelogenous leukemia
- Granulocytic leukemia
- Non-lymphocytic leukemia (in a broad classification context)
- Philadelphia chromosome-positive: A phrase describing a common genetic feature in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.
- Blast cells: The immature, abnormal white blood cells prevalent in myeloid leukemia.
- Bone marrow failure: A potential consequence of myeloid leukemia as normal cell production is suppressed.
- chronic leukemia characterized by granular leukocytes; more common in older people