Definition:
Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a known subtype of AML or acute myologenous leukemia, which is a form of cancer of the bone marrow and the blood. APL patients suffer from the abnormal accumulation of underdeveloped granulocytes . APL is characterized as a disorder brought about by chromosomal translocation.
Diagnosis:
To be able to properly distinguish APL from other forms of leukemia, a morphologic examination is required through aspirate or bone marrow biopsy. To monitor relapse, doctors use PCR tests for allow early re-treatment.
Treatment:
Among many types pf leukemia, APL is quite unique and is known to display sensitivity to ATRA or all-trans retinoic acid, which is a derivative of vitamin A. That is try treatments with ATRA is combined with anthracycline chemotherapy that usually results to remission in about 90% of the APL patients.
Symptoms and Signs:
APL shares the common symptoms found in AML. This includes fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, easy bleeding, anemia, bone and joint pains as well as increased susceptibility to infections.
Causes:
APL is caused by chromosomal translocations, which is a DNA abnormality that causes leukemia to develop. Normally, the human DNA consists of 23 pairs of chromosomes. In APL, one chromosome breaks off and gets attached to another chromosome, hence the term translocation.
:
acutepromyelocyticleukemia
The information on this site is for research purposes only and can not substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Ailments.com is not run by doctors and does not engage in the practice of medicine. Our site is not a medical authority, it is just a research tool for you to use in preparation for consulting with a doctor. We can not guarantee our information is accurate or up to date. Even if a statement made about a medical condition is accurate, it may not apply to you or your symptoms, so you should always consult a doctor. Nothing on our site should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine.
