|  | | | Aetiology
The scientific study of the factors which cause a disease, e.g. environmental factors such as infections and radiation.
Allogeneic stem cell transplant
Also called an allograft. A transplant using stem cells collected from a "matched" healthy donor, usually a brother or sister. The risks associated with the transplant increase with age.
Alopecia
The loss of hair. A side-effect of some forms of chemotherapy or radiotherapy used to treat leukaemia and other cancers. Usually temporary.
Anaemia
Deficiency in the oxygen-carrying pigment haemoglobin in the blood. Causes pallor, tiredness and breathlessness.
Anorexia
Loss of appetite.
Antiobodies
Naturally produced substances in the blood which destroy or neutralize specific toxins or 'foreign bodies', for example viruses. They are produced by the white blood cells known as lymphocytes in response to exposure to antigens.
Antigen
A substance which stimulates cells of the body's defence system to react against it by producing antibodies.
Aplasia
Failure of production of blood cells in the bone marrow because of a lack of stem cells. Usually this condition affects all types of blood cells and is called aplastic anaemia.
Auto-immune disease
Diseases caused by an individual's immune system producing antibodies against tissues of its own body.
Autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT)
A blood stem cell transplant using the patient's own marrow or peripheral blood stem cells which have been collected and stored at an early-stage of the disease, also called autograft. The marrow may be manipulated in the laboratory, a procedure called purging, to try to ensure there is no contamination with leukaemia cells. This type of procedure may be carried out in even older patients in contrast to donor transplants.
B- lymphocyte
A type of white blood cell normally involved in the production of antibodies to combat infection.
bacteria
Microscopic organisms which cause many types of infectious disease, for example pneumonia. Patients have a reduced ability to fight infections following chemotherapy or bone marrow transplantation. This may mean that even harmless bacteria, for example those which are normally found on the skin, may cause serious illness.
basophil
A type of white blood cell which is involved in allergic and inflammatory reactions. Normally present in low numbers in the blood.
basophilia
An increase in the number of basophils in the blood.
Bence-jones protein
A characteristic protein found in the urine of some patients with multiple myeloma. It is derived from the antibodies produced by the cancerous myeloma cells and can be used to help in diagnosis of the disease and to monitor the effects of treatment.
Benign
Non-cancerous growths that may or may not need to be surgically removed.
Biopsy
A small sample of fresh tissue, for example lymph node or bone marrow, removed for laboratory analysis to establish or confirm an exact diagnosis of disease.
Blast cells
Immature blood-forming cells which normally represent up to 5% of the cells in the bone marrow. They are not present in healthy blood. Acute leukaemia is characterised by over-production of abnormal blast cells which take over the bone marrow and often spill out into the blood stream.
Blast crisis
Aggressive phase of chronic myeloid leukaemia or polycythaemia rubra vera characterised by the production of large numbers of immature cells which may be either of the myeloid or lymphoid type. Clinically similar to acute leukaemia and more difficult to treat than chronic phase disease.
Blood cells
There are three main types of cells in the blood stream; the red cell, which carries oxygen, the white cell, which fights infections, and the platelets, which help prevent bleeding. The correct balance between each cell type must be maintained. Production of blood cells is controlled by natural chemicals called growth factors which may be used in treatment.
Blood cells
A routine test requiring a small blood sample to estimate the number and types of cells circulating in the blood.
Bone marrow
The tissue which produces the blood cells. It is found within the hollow cavities of many of the bones of the body. Bone marrow contains the stem cells from which all blood cells are derived. Examination of the bone marrow is an important part of the diagnosis of leukaemia and the monitoring of treatment.
Bone marrow aspirate
A small volume of bone marrow removed under local or general anaesthetic from either the hip bone (pelvis) or breast bone (sternum). The cells in the sample can then be examined under the microscope to identify any abnormality in the developing blood cells. A trephine biopsy, where a small "core" of bone marrow is removed under local anaesthetic may be taken at the same time.
Bone marrow transplant (BMT)
A procedure used in the treatment of a variety of blood disorders including leukaemia, lymphoma and sometimes myeloma. The patient receives very high doses of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy to treat the disease and produce immunosuppression. This damages the bone marrow and makes the blood count fall. Replacement marrow is taken from a matched donor (allogeneic bone marrow transplant) or from the patient themselves (autologous bone marrow transplant) under a general anaesthetic and returned to the patient through a vein (or central venous line) in a similar way to a blood transfusion. Peripheral blood stem cells may be used instead, especially for autografts.
Candida
A type of fungus, candida infection in the mouth (oral thrush) is a common problem for immunosuppressed patients.
Cannula
A tube for insertion into the body, usually into a vein, via a sharp needle-type fitting which is then withdrawn from the cannula to allow fluids to pass through the tube.
Carcinogen
A substance which has the ability to cause cells to become cancerous.
Carcinogenesis
The development of cancer.
Cat scan (CT SCAN)
Computer assisted tomography (CAT) is a sophisticated X-ray technique used to produce detailed internal images of the body, particularly the chest and abdomen. The patient lies on a couch which gradually moves through the X-ray machine and the image is built up by a computer as a cross section through the body.
Catheter
A hollow tube inserted into organs of the body for admitting or removing gases or liquids. For example, for the removal of urine from the bladder.
Cell biology
The study of the structure, composition and function of cells.
Cell markers
Biochemical or immunological characteristics which distinguish and discriminate between different cell types. HLA-antigens are one type of cell marker.
Cells
The individual units from which tissues of the body are formed.
Central nervous system (CNS)
The brain and spinal cord.
Central venous line
A catheter passed through a blood vessel into a large central vein, used for patients undergoing intensive therapy and to provide a route for taking blood samples and administering drugs without repeated needle puncture of a vein. See Hickman Line and Portacath.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
This fluid surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. Samples can be obtained by lumbar puncture.
Chromosomes
Chromosomes carry the 30,000 or so genes which provide the inherited blue-print of each individual. In humans there are normally 23 pairs contained in the nucleus of each cell. Alterations in the number or organisation of the chromosomes may play a key role in the development of cancer.
Clinical trial
A carefully monitored assessment of new forms of treatment. They can vary in design and size from trials of innovative treatments involving small numbers of patients to large national trials which compare variations in current therapies. A patient will always be informed when their treatment is part of a trial.
Clone
A population of genetically identical cells arising from a single parent cell. Leukaemia cells originate from one original abnormal cell producing a "leukaemic clone".
Clotting factors
A group of chemical constituents of the blood (factors I to XIII) which interact to make the blood clot.
CNS leukaemia
Invasion of the brain or spinal cord by leukaemic cells. This may be diagnosed by examination of the surrounding cerebrospinal fluid.
Coagulation
Clotting of the blood. A complex reaction depending on a series of biochemical components (clotting factors) and platelets in the blood.
Congenital
A term used to describe deformities or diseases which are present at the time of birth.
Consolidation treatment
A course of treatment with anti-cancer drugs given to the patient whilst in remission with the aim of killing any remaining cancerous cells.
Cord blood
Blood obtained from the umbilical cord at the time of birth and which derives from the baby.
Cord blood stem cells
Stem cells recovered from cord blood which have been shown to have the capability to repopulate bone marrow and produce blood cells.
Cytogenetics
The study of the structure of chromosomes. Cytogenetic tests are carried out on samples of blood and bone marrow taken from leukaemia patients to detect any chromosomal abnormalities associated with the disease. These help in the diagnosis and selection of optimal treatment.
Cytomegalovirus
A virus which is harmless in healthy people but may cause serious disease in severely immunosuppressed patients. Particularly dangerous following a bone marrow transplant.
Cytopaenia
A reduction in the number of cells circulating in the blood.
Deletion
A chromosome abnormality in which part of a single chromosome has been lost.
Depletion
A laboratory procedure for reducing the numbers of specific cell types within bone marrow donated for transplantation, for example the removal of some types of lymphocytes. This may be to avoid "mismatch" problems (particularly in relation to unrelated donor transplants) or to remove a sub-set of potentially leukaemic cells in an autograft.
Differentiation
The gradual maturation of a cell whereby its functions and properties become increasingly specialised. Leukaemic cells are often poorly differentiated, i.e. they show immature characteristics.
Disseminated disease
Disease in which the cancerous cells have spread from the tissue of origin to other organs.
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) provides the essential building block for storing genetic material. There are 4 different chemical components of DNA (bases) arranged in coded sequence as genes which determine an individual's inherited characteristics.
Donor lymphocyte infusion
If a patient who has had an allogeneic bone marrow transplant has a relapse, with return of the original disease, they may be given lymphocytes from the donor. This may eliminate the leukaemia cells.
Eosinophil
A type of white blood cell involved in inflammatory, allergic or anti-parasitic responses. Usually present in the circulation in very low numbers.
Eosinophilia
Increased numbers of eosinophils in the blood. It occurs in some cases of Hodgkin's disease, in asthma, hay fever and parasitic infections, hypereosinophilic syndrome and eosinophil leukaemia.
Epidemiology
The science of studying the occurrence of disease in populations and relating this to genetic and/or environmental causes.
Epstein-barr virus
A common virus which causes glandular fever. Also associated with Burkitt's lymphoma. There is some evidence of a link between Epstein-Barr virus infection and Hodgkin's disease.
Folic acid
A form of vitamin B obtained from green leafy vegetables, e.g. spinach. It is essential for synthesis of DNA and therefore the growth and division of cells.
Fungus
An infective agent such as a mould or yeast, causing particular problems in immunosuppressed patients, for example candida.
Genes
Formed from DNA and carried on the chromosomes, genes direct the activities of cells. They are responsible for the synthesis of proteins and so the inherited characteristics which distinguish one individual from another. Each human individual has an estimated 30,000 separate genes.
Graft rejection
Rarely, when a patient has an allogeneic bone marrow transplant, the new bone marrow will fail to start producing blood cells. This is called graft rejection. It may be possible to do a second transplant.
Graft versus host disease (GVHD)
A common, and serious, complication of bone marrow transplantation. Some of the donor's immune cells reject the patient's own cells as foreign. The skin, liver and gut may be affected. It can occur in either chronic or acute forms and is treatable by immunosuppressive drugs.
Graft versus leukaemia (GVL)
The effect of allografted stem cells in attacking leukaemia cells in the recipient. If graft versus host disease is present but not severe, it may be beneficial in helping to kill off leukaemia cells. If all the T-lymphocytes are removed from an allogeneic bone marrow transplant it minimises the risk of graft versus host disease but increases the risk of relapse.
Granulocyte
A type of white blood cell. They protect the body against infection by seeking out and killing microorganisms.
Growth factors
A complex family of proteins produced by the body to control growth, division and maturation of blood cells by the bone marrow. Some are available as products of genetic engineering, and are used clinically to stimulate normal white cell production following chemotherapy or bone marrow transplantation, for example G-CSF, GM-CSF.
Growth hormone
A biochemical secreted by a gland in the brain which controls growth and is of particular importance during adolescence. Radiotherapy given to the head and neck of children with leukaemia may lead to a deficiency in growth hormone. This may be replaced by intravenous injection.
Haematologist
A doctor specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of blood diseases.
Haematology
The study of blood diseases including leukaemia.
Haematopoiesis or haemopoiesis
Term to describe the production and maturation of blood cells from very primitive stem cells. This takes place in the bone marrow which is a spongy tissue in the middle of bones.
Haemoglobin
The iron containing pigment in red blood cells which carries oxygen around the body. Lack of haemoglobin is called anaemia . Normal values are between 13.5 to 17.5 g/100ml of blood in males, 11.5 to 15.5 g/100ml in females.
Haemorrhage
Bleeding either to the outside through the skin or internally.
Hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver.
Hepatomegaly
Enlargement of the liver.
Hickman line
A narrow plastic tube or catheter which is inserted, under anaesthetic, into a major blood vessel in the chest. It is used for patients undergoing intensive therapy and provides a route for taking blood samples and administering drugs without repeated needle puncture of a vein.
Histology
The investigation of tissue samples by chemical and microscopical analysis.
HLA antigens
A complex family of genetically inherited proteins which are found on the surface of cells throughout the body. They determine the "match" between patient and potential donor in bone marrow transplantation. HLA- factors are inherited from the mother and father and so the greatest chance of having the same HLA-type is between brothers and sisters, that is 1 in 4. HTLV Human T-cell lymphotropic virus. A family of viruses which invade T cells. This includes a rare leukaemia virus, HTLV-1, found primarily in Japan and the Caribbean, causing an increased incidence of T cell leukaemias in these populations.
Hypercalcaemia
Increased levels of calcium in the blood. It is often associated with multiple myeloma due to degradation of the bones. It is dangerous if not controlled.
Iatrogenic disease
A disease produced as a consequence of medical or surgical treatment.
Idiopathic
Term applied to diseases to indicate that their cause is unknown.
Immune deficiency
Impaired ability of the body's defence mechanisms to combat infections by bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Immune response
The reaction of the body to an antigen, for example an infectious agent, or to the tissues of another individual as in the rejection of an organ transplant.
Immunoglobulins
Proteins in the blood plasma which function as antibodies and play an important part in controlling infections.
Immunosuppression
A treatment induced reduction in the body's defence mechanisms. Deliberate immunosuppression is a necessary part of the bone marrow transplant procedure to prevent graft versus host disease and graft rejection.
Intensification
Increasing the amount, number or combination of anti-cancer drugs given to a patient in an attempt to kill drug-resistant or residual leukaemic cells.
Intramuscular injection
Injection into the muscle.
Intrathecal injection
Injection of drugs into the spinal fluid to prevent or treat CNS leukaemia or lymphoma.
Intravenous infusion
Administration of antibiotics, blood products, anti-cancer drugs or nutrients into a patient's vein over a prolonged period of time.
Intravenous injection
The application of drugs into a vein through a syringe.
In vitro
Literally meaning "in glass". Used to describe studies carried out on living cells or tissues grown in the laboratory.
In vivo
Used to describe studies in living tissue or in a whole organism.
Karyotype
Analysis to check the number, form and structure of chromosomes. This can give valuable information to aid in the diagnosis and the selection of treatment.
Karyotypic abnormality
Abnormality in the number, form or structure of chromosomes. Particular abnormalities are associated with particular subtypes of leukaemia.
Late effects
Results of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy which only become apparent with long-term monitoring of the patient over a period of years. These are of particular concern in patients below the age of puberty.
Leukaemogenesis
The development of leukaemia.
Leukapheresis
Method of separating blood into its liquid and cellular components and for the removal of white blood cells before returning the remainder of the blood to the patient. It is used to reduce the white cell count when chemotherapy is to be avoided, for example during pregnancy.
Leukocytes
Collective term for white blood cells.
Leukopaenia
Condition in which the number of white cells in the blood is greatly reduced. Leads to increased risk of infections.
Lineage
Describes cells with a common ancestry, that is developing from the same type of identifiable immature cell.
Long-term survival
Term used to describe the survival of leukaemia patients who have been disease free for prolonged periods of time, usually at least five years. The chance of disease returning (relapse) decreases with time.
Lumbar puncture
A procedure for removing spinal fluid from around the spinal cord using a fine needle in the lower part of the back. Samples are analysed for evidence of any CNS leukaemia. Also used to administer anti-cancer drugs to either prevent or cure CNS disease.
Lymph nodes or glands
Small structures found throughout the body, e.g. neck, groin, armpits, abdomen, which contain both mature and immature lymphocytes.
Lymphatic system
This consists of the spleen, lymph nodes and areas of lymphoid tissue such as the tonsils. It plays a major part of the body's immune response.
Lymphocyte
A type of white blood cell which is involved in the immune defences of the body. There are two main types - B-cells and T-cells.
Lymphoid
Referring to the lymphatic system including lymphocytes and lymph nodes.
Lymphoproliferation
An increase in the production of lymphocytes. This may occur as a normal response to infection.
Macroglobulinaemia
In certain conditions, such as Waldenstrom's macroglobulinaemia, affected lymphocytes produce an excess amount of an abnormal antibody known as IgM.
Macrophage
A type of white blood cell which migrates from the blood into tissues and acts as a scavenger, ingesting particles such as bacteria.
Magnetic resonance imaging
A body scanning technique which uses an intense magnetic field to generate images of the internal organs. Properties of normal and cancerous tissue differ, allowing malignant tumours to be visualised by computer processing of the signals detected.
Maintenance treatment
Treatment given for a period of months or years to maintain remission and eliminate any residual leukaemic cells in the body, usually for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Malignancy
A term applied to tumours characterised by the uncontrolled proliferation of cells. See also cancer.
Megakaryocyte
Large cell in the bone marrow which produces platelets.
Monoclonal
Proteins made by cells which all belong to the same clone are identical and are called monoclonal.
Monocyte
A type of white blood cell of relatively large size which acts as a scavenger and ingests large particles.
Monosomy
Term which indicates the loss of a whole chromosome.
MRC (Medical Research Council)
Government funded body "to promote the balanced development of medical and related biological research" in the UK. It organises national clinical trials for the assessment of new treatment protocols for leukaemia and some of the related diseases.
Mucositis
Inflammation of the mouth and throat which may be caused by anti-leukaemia drugs.
Multi-drug resistance (MDR)
Multi-drug resistance occurs when leukaemia cells eliminate anti-cancer drugs before a high enough concentration to kill the cells is achieved. Resistance against most drugs will make the leukaemia very difficult to treat.
Mutation
A minute genetic change to DNA caused, for example, by exposure to hazardous chemicals or copying errors during cell division. If these affect normal cell function they can lead to disease development.
Myeloblastic
Immature cells of the myeloid series.
Myeloid
Collective term for the non-lymphocyte groups of white blood cells. It includes cells from the granulocyte, monocyte, red cell and platelet lineages.
Myelomonocytic
A condition which affects both the myeloid and monocytic cells.
Myelopoiesis
The process of production and maturation of myeloid cells.
Neuropathy
Damage to the nerves which may occur as a complication of anti-leukaemia treatment. It usually affects the peripheral nerves (nerves to the arms and legs) and may be reversible when treatment is stopped or reduced.
Neutropaenia
A condition in which the neutrophil count is reduced. It may be caused by high dose chemotherapy and carries an increased risk of infection.
Neutrophil
The most common type of cell within the granulocyte group of white blood cells.
Oncogenes
Genes carrying the potential to cause cancer.
Oncologist
A specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Packed cell volume or haematocrit
Measurement of the proportion of the blood occupied by the red blood cells. Normal values are 40-54% in males, 35-47% in females.
Palliative care
Treatment aimed at relieving symptoms and pain rather than effecting a cure.
Pancytopaenia
Condition in which there are reduced numbers of all types of blood cells.
Para-protein
Para-protein is a form of antibody characteristic of, and produced by, a clone of cells of the B-cell type, for example in multiple myeloma. Its presence in the blood acts as an important marker of disease.
Pathogenesis
Development of a disease.
Pathologist
A doctor who specialises in the cause and diagnosis of disease and how disease affects the organs of a body.
Peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC)
There are small numbers of stem cells in the circulation. These are known as peripheral blood stem cells.
Peripheral blood stem cell transplant
The use of peripheral blood stem cells as an alternative to bone marrow transplantation. The stem cells are obtained by using growth factors given to the donor to increase numbers in the circulation to a level where they can be harvested.
Petechiae
Small red or purple pin-head spots on the skin. They are small haemorrhages and usually the result of a shortage of platelets.
Pharmacokinetics
The study of the action of a drug in the body over a period of time, including the processes of absorption, metabolism and excretion.
Phenotype
The characteristic appearance and function of a cell or tissue.
Philadelphia chromosome
An abnormal chromosome associated with chronic myeloid leukaemia and some cases of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. The Philadelphia chromosome is formed when part of chromosome 9 attaches to chromosome 22. This abnormality is found in nearly all cases of chronic myeloid leukaemia.
Plasma cells
Large cells derived from the lymphocytes that form antibodies. These are not normally found in circulating blood but restricted to bone marrow and lymph nodes.
Plateau phase
Stable stage of disease in multiple myeloma following good response to anti-cancer treatment.
Platelets or thrombocytes
They are tiny cell-like bodies derived from Megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. Platelets circulate in the blood and play an important role in the prevention and control of bleeding. Normal values, 150-400 x 10^9 per litre.
Portacath
A form of central nervous line in which the whole of the line is surgically implanted within the body, unlike Hickman line. A membrane just below the skin gives access by a simple skin puncture to a line running straight into one of the main blood vessels. This simplifies the administration of chemotherapy .
Progenitor cell or precursor cell
Immature cell in the bone marrow which is responsible for producing mature blood cells.
Prognosis
An assessment of the likely course of disease for a patient, particularly concerning the chances of cure and complete recovery or length of survival.
Prolymphocyte
An early lymphocyte precursor. Not commonly seen in the blood but in prolymphocytic leukaemia they may be present in large numbers.
Prophylaxis
Precautionary treatment given with the aim of preventing a disease occurring.
Protocol
A schedule of treatment. For example, the number, frequency and timing of administration of a course of anti-cancer drugs.
Pruritis
Itching, sometimes severe, which may be a significant problem in lymphoma.
Purging
The laboratory treatment of bone marrow harvested for an autologous bone marrow transplant or peripheral blood stem cell transplant to remove any residual leukaemic cells in order to reduce the chance of relapse. The use of this procedure varies between treatment centres and depends on the type of leukaemia being treated.
Purpura
A condition characterised by the occurrence of purple spots on the skin, often accompanied by bleeding from the gums.
Radiology
The use of X-rays in the diagnosis of a disease.
Radiotherapy
The use of X-rays and other forms of radiation in treatment. Radiotherapy kills cancer cells in the area of the body being treated and is therefore effective treatment for localised disease, particularly in lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Side-effects vary according to the type of treatment and will be discussed with the patient by the hospital staff.
Rai system
A system for staging of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia based on the clinical findings and on laboratory tests. It is used to decide whether to start treatment. An international or Binet staging system may also be used.
Recombinant
A term used to describe drugs which have been produced using the techniques of genetic engineering. The products are exact equivalents of compounds produced naturally by the body.
Red blood cells or erythrocytes
The cells of the blood which contain the red pigment haemoglobin and carry oxygen to all the tissues of the body. Normal red cell count in the blood is 4.5-5.0 x 10^12 per litre.
Reed-sternberg cell
A distinctive abnormal cell seen in Hodgkin's disease.
Relapse
The recurrence of disease. In leukaemia this may be indicated by changes in the blood, bone marrow, CNS or testes even before the patient experiences any symptoms.
Remission
Restoration of the blood, bone marrow and general health of the patient to normal, induced by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.
Remission induction or induction treatment
The initial course of treatment given to patients on admission to hospital to remove all clinically detectable cancer.
Reticulocytes
Immature red blood cells present in the blood stream in very low numbers (0.2-2%). Raised numbers of reticulocytes may be found as a result of increased red cell production in the bone marrow, for example following haemorrhage.
Retinoic acid
A synthetic compound related to vitamin A which can stimulate cells to become fully mature. It may be used clinically to treat some forms of leukaemia, notably a subtype of acute myeloid leukaemia called acute promyelocytic leukaemia.
Retrovirus
A class of virus including the HTLV-1 retrovirus that causes a rare form of human leukaemia.
RNA (Ribonucleic acid)
A copy of the genetic code used by cells as a template for making proteins.
Septicaemia
This is a general term to describe serious bacterial infection of the blood stream often associated with high fever.
Serum
The part of the blood which remains after cells, platelets and fibrinogen have been removed.
Sibling
Brother or sister.
Spleen
The spleen acts as a "discriminating filter" of the blood. It can selectively remove old red blood cells and bacteria and other foreign bodies. The spleen also acts as a store for platelets. It is often enlarged in leukaemia.
Splenectomy
Surgical removal of the spleen. This is sometimes done in leukaemia or lymphoma as part of a patient's treatment.
Splenomegaly
Enlargement of the spleen.
Staging
An assessment of the spread of disease through the body, for example in lymphoma. It is of importance for the selection of optimal treatment.
Stem cells
The most primitive cells in the bone marrow from which all the various types of blood cell are derived.
Subcutaneous injection
An injection into tissue immediately under the skin.
Syngeneic
Literally "sharing the same genes". It refers to bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell transplants between identical twins.
T-lymphocyte
A type of white blood cell derived from the thymus (hence T- cells) involved in controlling immune reactions and in fighting viral infections. Uncontrolled proliferation of this type of cell gives rise to T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma.
Testicular relapse
Recurrence of leukaemia in the testicles. The disease may be restricted to the testicles or may also show evidence of disease in either the bone marrow or CNS. Treatment will depend on the timing and extent of relapsed disease.
Thrombocythaemia
An over-production of platelets.
Thrombocytopaenia
Shortage of platelets, leading to problems with bleeding.
Thrombosis
The development of a clot in a blood vessel, usually in a vein but sometimes in an artery. It is potentially life-threatening if left untreated.
Thymus
A gland at the base of the neck concerned with the production of functional T-cells.
Tomography
An X-ray picture of internal organs of the body.
Total body irradiation
Radiotherapy often given in several doses prior to bone marrow transplantation with the aim of killing any residual leukaemia in the patient. It is used in conjunction with high dose anti-cancer drugs. The procedure and its side-effects will be discussed individually with the patient.
Transformation
A term to describe either the change of a normal cell into a cancerous cell, or the acceleration of chronic myeloid leukaemia to a more acute phase characterised by the production of large numbers of blast cells.
Translocation
A chromosome abnormality in which the part of one chromosome has become transferred to another. See also Philadelphia chromosome.
Trephine biopsy
Removal of a small "core" of bone marrow under local anaesthetic. It is used to assess bone marrow structure, the number and distribution of all the blood cell types. The trephine biopsy is normally done at the same time as a bone marrow aspirate.
Trisomy
Term which indicates the presence of an additional whole chromosome.
Tumour
An accumulation of abnormal cells which may be benign or malignant.
Ultrasonography (ultrasound)
Pictures of the body's internal organs built up from the interpretation of reflected sound waves.
Virology
The study of viruses and viral diseases.
Virus
A minute infective agent which depends on the cell it infects for its replication and survival.
White blood cells (leukocytes)
They comprise several different types of cells within three main types: granulocytes (mainly consisting of neutrophils), lymphocytes and monocytes. They are formed in the bone marrow and it is their uncontrolled proliferation which leads to leukaemia. Normal values are within the range 4 .5 - 11.0 x 10^9 per litre.
X-rays
Used in diagnosis and staging of lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Also used to diagnose, for example, a chest infection. |
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