Risk Assessment Paper
Lora Ashley Welge
Assessing the Risks for Leukemia
Pathophysiology NR 282
June 11, 2013
Leukemia is the malignant disorder of white blood cells in which the cells become abnormal and divide without control or order. Hematopoietic stem cells, also known as hemacytoblasts, are found in bone marrow and are the precursor to erythrocytes (red blood cells), leukocytes (white blood cells) and thrombocytes (platelets). Leukemia is caused by the mutation of the bone marrow pluripotent or most primitive hematopoietic stem cells (Caldwell, 2007). The mutations during hematopoiesis causes uncontrolled proliferation of stem cells resulting in overcrowding of bone marrow and decreased production and function of normal hematopoietic cells (Huether, 2012). The leukemic stem cells will then enter the blood stream affecting other organs such as the liver, spleen, lymphnodes, and under certain circumstances the central nervous system. The mutant clone may demonstrate unique morphologic, cytogenic, and immunophenotypic features that can be used to classify the particular type of leukemia (Caldwell, 2007). Leukemia can be fatal if left untreated because of the inhibited ability to produce and provide normal red blood cells, white blood cells, and plates to maintain homeostatic mechanisms. There are several modifying risk factors for leukemia including: exposure to high energy radiation, exposure to benzene and certain other chemicals, exposure to herbicides and/or pesticides, drugs that cause bone marrow depression such as Cytoxan, and adults over 60 who smoke have an increased risk. The underlining factor to all of the environmental or modifiable risk factors are the genetic mutations caused when exposed to the chemical for long periods of time. Radiation is the most commonly linked environmental factor in the development of cancers. The most convincing evidence linking radiation and the development of leukemia is research conducted after the Hiroshima
Assessing the Risks for Leukemia
Pathophysiology NR 282
June 11, 2013
Leukemia is the malignant disorder of white blood cells in which the cells become abnormal and divide without control or order. Hematopoietic stem cells, also known as hemacytoblasts, are found in bone marrow and are the precursor to erythrocytes (red blood cells), leukocytes (white blood cells) and thrombocytes (platelets). Leukemia is caused by the mutation of the bone marrow pluripotent or most primitive hematopoietic stem cells (Caldwell, 2007). The mutations during hematopoiesis causes uncontrolled proliferation of stem cells resulting in overcrowding of bone marrow and decreased production and function of normal hematopoietic cells (Huether, 2012). The leukemic stem cells will then enter the blood stream affecting other organs such as the liver, spleen, lymphnodes, and under certain circumstances the central nervous system. The mutant clone may demonstrate unique morphologic, cytogenic, and immunophenotypic features that can be used to classify the particular type of leukemia (Caldwell, 2007). Leukemia can be fatal if left untreated because of the inhibited ability to produce and provide normal red blood cells, white blood cells, and plates to maintain homeostatic mechanisms. There are several modifying risk factors for leukemia including: exposure to high energy radiation, exposure to benzene and certain other chemicals, exposure to herbicides and/or pesticides, drugs that cause bone marrow depression such as Cytoxan, and adults over 60 who smoke have an increased risk. The underlining factor to all of the environmental or modifiable risk factors are the genetic mutations caused when exposed to the chemical for long periods of time. Radiation is the most commonly linked environmental factor in the development of cancers. The most convincing evidence linking radiation and the development of leukemia is research conducted after the Hiroshima
References: Bozzone, D. (2009). Leukemia. New York, NY: Chelsea House. Caldwell, B. (2007). Hematology in Practice. Chapter 11: Acute leukemial, pp. 159-185. Huether, S. M. (2012). Understanding Pathophysiology (5th ed). St.Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Mosby.