Erythroblastoma is a term used to describe a malignant tumor that originates from the erythroid cells in the bone marrow. The word is pronounced as [əˌrɪθroʊblæsˈtoʊmə], according to the IPA phonetic transcription. This word is spelled as such due to the Greek roots "erythro" meaning red and "blastoma" meaning tumor. The spelling may appear confusing to some, but the phonetic transcription can assist in understanding its pronunciation. Erythroblastoma is a rare form of cancer and requires medical intervention for treatment.
Erythroblastoma, also known as erythroid sarcoma or chloroma, is a rare aggressive tumor derived from immature red blood cells or erythroblasts. It is often associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), but can also occur as an isolated entity. This condition primarily affects the bone marrow, where these cancerous cells rapidly proliferate and replace healthy blood cells.
Erythroblastoma typically presents as a localized mass that can be found in various areas of the body, including the skull, spine, orbit, paranasal sinuses, lymph nodes, and skin. The tumor appears as a solid, greenish mass due to the presence of myeloperoxidase in the leukemic blasts. The name "chloroma" is derived from this characteristic green hue.
This rare malignancy predominantly affects children and young adults and often manifests with symptoms related to bone or organ compression caused by the growing tumor. Diagnosis is made through a combination of physical examination, medical imaging, and histopathological analysis of the affected tissue. Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy, which are administered based on individual case characteristics and patient-specific factors.
Due to the rarity of erythroblastoma, research and data regarding its etiology and pathogenesis remain limited. The prognosis varies depending on several factors, such as the extent of the disease, age of the patient, and response to treatment. Close monitoring and multidisciplinary care are crucial for the effective management of this aggressive hematologic malignancy.
A myeloma in which the cells resemble megaloblasts.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "erythroblastoma" is derived from Greek and Latin roots.
The Greek word "erythro" (ἐρυθρός) means "red", and it is a prefix used to indicate something related to red color.
The Latin word "blastoma" is derived from the Greek word "blastos" (βλαστός), which means "bud" or "germ". In medical terminology, the suffix "-blastoma" generally refers to a tumor or growth that arises from undifferentiated or embryonic cells.
Therefore, the word "erythroblastoma" combines the Greek "erythro" with the Latin "blastoma" to describe a tumor that arises from immature or undifferentiated red blood cells.