Acute Erythroblastic Leukemias is a blood cancer characterized by an abnormal increase in immature red blood cells. The spelling of this medical term is phonetically challenging for many. It is pronounced [əˈkjut ɛˌrɪθroʊblæstɪk luˈkimijəz] with emphasis on the first syllable of 'acute' and the third syllable of 'erythroblastic'. The 'ei-oo' sound in 'leukemias' is due to the loanword's Greek origin. It is important to spell medical terms correctly to ensure clear and accurate communication in healthcare settings.
Acute erythroblastic leukemias are a group of aggressive, rapidly progressing blood cancers characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation and accumulation of immature red blood cell precursors, known as erythroblasts, within the bone marrow and peripheral blood. This type of leukemia is considered rare and falls under the broader category of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Erythroblastic leukemias are typically classified based on the degree of erythroblast involvement and maturation. The two major subtypes include erythroleukemia (also known as Di Guglielmo syndrome) and pure erythroid leukemia. In erythroleukemia, there is a combination of abnormal erythroblastic proliferation and myeloblast (precursors to white blood cells) accumulation. In pure erythroid leukemia, there is exclusive involvement of erythroblast precursors without significant myeloid cell involvement.
The condition usually arises from genetic mutations in hematopoietic stem cells, which leads to the abnormal proliferation and differentiation of erythroid precursors. The symptoms of acute erythroblastic leukemias are similar to other forms of AML and may include fatigue, paleness, shortness of breath, susceptibility to infections, bleeding, and easy bruising.
The diagnosis of acute erythroblastic leukemias involves bone marrow biopsy and examination, along with the assessment of blood samples. Treatment typically involves aggressive chemotherapy to eliminate immature cells followed by stem cell transplantation, if eligible. However, the prognosis for acute erythroblastic leukemias is generally poor due to the aggressive nature of the disease and the tendency for relapse.