Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer that starts in the cells of the immune system, which is responsible for fighting infections and other diseases. Hodgkin lymphoma develops when a lymphocyte (usually a type of B cell), an immune cell of the body, becomes abnormal. This abnormal cell is called a Reed-Sternberg cell. A Reed-Sternberg cell is a large cell with two or more nuclei, each having a very large nucleolus. To multiply, this cell begins to divide. The new cells, in turn, divide repeatedly, creating more abnormal cells. These abnormal cells don't die at the appropriate time, and they don't protect the body against infections or other diseases. The gradual increase in these extra cells leads to the formation of a tissue mass, known as a gland or tumor, in the lymphatic system.
Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer that starts in the cells of the immune system, which is responsible for fighting infections and other diseases. Hodgkin lymphoma develops when a lymphocyte (usually a type of B cell), an immune cell of the body, becomes abnormal. This abnormal cell is called a Reed-Sternberg cell. A Reed-Sternberg cell is a large cell with two or more nuclei, each having a very large nucleolus. To multiply, this cell begins to divide. The new cells, in turn, divide repeatedly, creating more abnormal cells. These abnormal cells don't die at the appropriate time, and they don't protect the body against infections or other diseases. The gradual increase in these extra cells leads to the formation of a tissue mass, known as a gland or tumor, in the lymphatic system.
Multiple myeloma is a malignant tumor related to B cells, characterized by plasma cell proliferation (above 10%) in the bone marrow. This malignancy is part of plasma cell dyscrasias and is clinically and laboratorily identified by: 1. Anemia; 2. Presence of monoclonal proteins in serum (presence of M-band in serum protein electrophoresis of these individuals, resulting from increased monoclonal gamma globulins), urine (presence of Bence-Jones protein in urine), or both; 3. Bone lesions and/or bone pain; 4. Hypercalcemia; and 5. Renal insufficiency.
Thalassemia is a genetic disorder in which hemoglobin loses its normal structure, leading to the ineffective production of hemoglobin in the body. As a result, the defective hemoglobin cannot effectively deliver oxygen to the body's organs. Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying component in red blood cells. Hemoglobin consists of two parts: heme and two different protein chains called alpha and beta. In thalassemia, the globin chains have a normal structure but are produced in reduced amounts. Consequently, blood cells do not form completely and lack the ability to carry sufficient oxygen, resulting in a type of anemia that begins in infancy and lasts throughout life. Although thalassemia is not a single disorder, it encompasses a group of disorders that affect the human body through similar mechanisms. Understanding the differences between various types of thalassemia is important.
Neuroblastoma is a rare disease in which a solid tumor is formed by specific nerve cells called neuroblasts. Normally, these immature cells grow and mature into normal nerve cells. However, in neuroblastoma, these cells turn into cancerous cells. Neuroblastoma usually starts in the tissue of the adrenal glands, which are triangular-shaped glands located above the kidneys. These glands secrete hormones responsible for controlling heart rate, blood pressure, and other important functions. Like other cancers, neuroblastoma can spread to other parts of the body, such as lymph nodes, skin, liver, and bones.
This anemia is a rare acquired disorder in which the bone marrow does not produce enough new blood cells. Blood cells are derived from stem cells in the bone marrow. In aplastic anemia, the production of blood cells by stem cells decreases, leading to a deficiency of red blood cells (anemia), white blood cells (leading to an increased risk of infection), and platelets (needed to prevent bleeding and bruising). This anemia is not a type of cancer, but rather it is caused by a reduction in stem cells in the bone marrow and the replacement of bone marrow with fat.
A **germ cell tumor** is a growth that originates from reproductive cells. These tumors can be cancerous or non-cancerous. Most germ cell tumors are cancerous, such as **testicular cancer** in men or **ovarian cancer** in women. Some germ cell tumors can also occur in other areas of the body, including the abdomen, brain, and chest, although the reason for this is unknown. Germ cell tumors that occur in areas other than the testes and ovaries (extragonadal germ cell tumors) are very rare. Germ cell tumors generally respond well to available treatments, and many are curable even if diagnosed in later stages.
**Fanconi anemia** is an autosomal recessive disorder, often affecting more than one family member. It is a type of **hereditary aplastic anemia** characterized by pancytopenia, or a reduction in all blood cell lines including red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells. This condition typically becomes evident after infancy, especially around 8 years of age. Other developmental anomalies such as hyperpigmentation, short stature, hypogonadism, malformations of the extremities (thumb and radius bones), microcephaly, and malformations of other body organs like the heart and kidneys may also be present.
Ewing's sarcoma is a cancerous tumor that originates from connective tissue. Therefore, wherever connective tissue exists in the body, there's a possibility of Ewing's sarcoma. This is why tissues like bone, muscle, or even fat, which contain connective tissue, can be affected. This tumor can occur in any bone but is most common in the pelvis, thigh, and lower leg. Its prevalence peaks in adolescence and young adulthood.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is a hematological malignancy resulting from the proliferation and accumulation of lymphoid progenitors in the bone marrow and other tissues, usually involving B-lymphoblastic cells. This disease is seen in both children and adults, with the highest incidence in children aged 2 to 5 years. The clinical onset of ALL is typically sudden and acute; most affected individuals experience clinical symptoms only a few weeks before seeking medical attention. Common clinical symptoms include fever, fatigue, malaise, joint pain, and increased bleeding.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a type of blood cancer and the most common type of acute leukemia in the first months of life. However, it accounts for approximately one-third of acute leukemias during childhood and adolescence, and it is the most common form of acute leukemia in middle-aged and older adults. It originates from blood cells (white blood cells other than lymphocytes). Viruses, chemotherapy radiation, benzene, and smoking are factors that increase its incidence. Its onset is often similar to an acute infection, presenting with signs of granulocytic insufficiency along with ulcers on the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat, and fever. Severe disability and general weakness may occur. Acute Myeloid Leukemia, also known as acute non-lymphocytic leukemia, is a cancer of blood cell lines, an aggressive clonal myeloid neoplasm leading to the accumulation of myeloblasts (immature white blood cell precursor cells) in the bone marrow or blood. The rapid growth of these abnormal cells in the bone marrow interferes with the production of normal blood cells.