Promyelosyytteisestä

Promyelosyytteisestä refers to a subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). AML is a cancer that starts in the bone marrow, the soft tissue inside bones where blood cells are made. Specifically, promyelosytteisestä leukemia involves an overproduction of abnormal promyelocytes, which are immature white blood cells. These abnormal cells do not mature properly and cannot fight infection effectively. As they accumulate in the bone marrow, they crowd out healthy blood cells, leading to a shortage of red blood cells (anemia), white blood cells (increased susceptibility to infection), and platelets (increased risk of bleeding).

This specific subtype of AML, often referred to as acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), is characterized by certain genetic abnormalities, most commonly a translocation involving chromosome 15 and 17. This genetic change affects the function of a gene called PML and another called RARA, disrupting normal cell development. APL can present with a high white blood cell count and a tendency for bleeding complications due to a condition called disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Diagnosis is typically made through a bone marrow biopsy and examination of blood cells under a microscope, along with genetic testing. Treatment has significantly improved over the years and often involves specific targeted therapies like all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide, in addition to chemotherapy.

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