Non-Hodgkin lymphomas are other lymphomas that do not fit the criteria for Hodgkin lymphoma. They are characterised by painless lymphadenopathy or an abdominal or testicular mass. B-symptoms may not be present. Compared to Hodgkin lymphoma, they tend to present at…
Hodgkin lymphoma is characterised by Reed-Sternberg (RS) cells. It presents as a painless lymphadenopathy and has a contiguous pattern of spread. Hodgkin lymphoma has a bimodal peak at 30 years and 70 years. Nodular sclerosing type commonly affects young adults,…
Multiple myeloma is characterised by the accumulation of plasma cells in the bone marrow, the presence of M-proteins in serum and urine, and CRAB (hypercalcaemia, renal dysfunction, anaemia, and bone disease) in symptomatic patients. Multiple myeloma accounts for 1% of…
Waldenstrom macroglobulinaemia is the clonal proliferation of IgM-secreting plasma cells. It is characterised by platelet-type bleeding and hyperviscosity syndrome. It is rare, peaking between 60 and 80 years of age
Acute Myeloid Leukaemia Acute myeloid leukaemia is an acute leukaemia that involves myeloid cell line precursors. The presence of granules in the cells is a characteristic feature of AML. The incidence of AML increases with age. It peaks at around…
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is a malignant neoplasm of the lymphocyte precursor cells. These leukaemic lymphoblasts have an exaggerated and uncontrolled growth leading to bone marrow failure. They also fail to mount an appropriate immune response. ALL represents <1% of adult…
Haematological malignancies are clonal neoplasms that are derived from a single hematopoietic stem cell or peripheral lymphoid tissue. Definition of terms Term Definition Blast cells Immature precursor cells in the bone marrow Myeloid lineage Derived from bone marrow precursors Lymphoid…
Thalassemia is caused by a disorder of globin production. It is characterised by microcytic anaemia with a relatively normal iron study. α-thalassemia is more common among Africans (Trans: α-/α-) and Asians (cis: αα/—). β-thalassemia is more common among Mediterraneans (Italians…