Leukaemia, also spelled leukemia, is a medical condition characterized by the abnormal production of white blood cells in the bone marrow. Aleukaemia, alternatively spelled aleukemia, is a term used to describe a specific subtype or stage of leukaemia in which there is an absence or significant reduction of leukemic cells in the blood. In Greek, "a-" means absence or lack, and "leukos" means white, referring to the decrease or absence of excess white blood cells in the circulation.
Aleukaemia is considered a more advanced stage of leukaemia, occurring when leukemic cells have spread and infiltrated other organs, such as the spleen or lymph nodes, rather than remaining primarily in the bloodstream. This condition may cause symptoms similar to those of leukaemia, including fatigue, fever, lymph node enlargement, and susceptibility to infections. However, the absence or reduction of leukemic cells in the blood makes it challenging to diagnose aleukaemia using standard blood tests.
Aleukaemia has various subtypes, such as aleukaemic lymphadenopathy, where the malignancy presents primarily as lymph node enlargement, or aleukaemic monocytic leukaemia, characterized by an increase in monocytes in the bone marrow and other tissues.
Treatment options for aleukaemia typically involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies, tailored to the specific subtype and stage of the disease. As with leukaemia, the prognosis for aleukaemia depends on various factors, including the age and overall health of the individual, the stage at diagnosis, and the effectiveness of the chosen treatment. Close monitoring and regular follow-up are essential to assess the response to treatment and manage potential complications.
