Monoblastic leukaemia is a form of blood cancer that affects the immature white blood cells known as monoblasts. The term is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as mɒnə(b)læstɪk l(j)uːˈkiːmɪə. The word begins with the monosyllabic root 'mono,' meaning one, before the complex morpheme 'blast' is added, indicating an immature cell. The final part of the term, 'leukaemia,' refers to a group of blood diseases characterized by abnormal cell growth in the bone marrow.
Monoblastic leukemia is a rare and aggressive form of acute leukemia, which is a cancerous disease of the blood and bone marrow that affects the production of white blood cells. This type of leukemia is characterized by the abnormal growth and proliferation of monoblasts, which are immature white blood cells derived from the bone marrow.
Monoblastic leukemia typically affects children and is more prevalent in infants and toddlers. It is classified as a subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a group of malignancies characterized by the rapid and uncontrolled growth of abnormal myeloid cells.
Symptoms of monoblastic leukemia may include fatigue, weakness, fever, frequent infections, easy bruising or bleeding, bone pain, and pale skin. Diagnosis is made through a combination of physical examination, blood tests, bone marrow aspiration, and imaging studies.
Treatment for monoblastic leukemia often involves chemotherapy, which aims to destroy cancer cells and restore normal blood cell production. In some cases, a bone marrow transplant may be necessary to replace diseased cells with healthy ones.
Prognosis for monoblastic leukemia varies depending on several factors, including the patient's age, overall health, and the extent of the disease at the time of diagnosis. Early detection and prompt treatment improve the chances of a successful outcome, although the disease can be aggressive and challenging to manage. Regular follow-up care is essential to monitor for any signs of relapse or complications.
The word "monoblastic" in "monoblastic leukaemia" is derived from the prefix "mono-" meaning "one" and the Greek word "blastos" meaning "bud". The term "leukaemia" originates from the Greek words "leukos" meaning "white" and "haima" meaning "blood". Hence, "leukaemia" refers to a condition characterized by the proliferation of abnormal white blood cells. The term "monoblastic" specifically indicates that the abnormal cells involved in this type of leukaemia derive from a single line of undifferentiated monoblast cells.