Condition Lookup
Category:
Stem Cells and Disorders
Number of Conditions: 27
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
Specialty: Hematology
Category: Stem Cells and Disorders
Symptoms:
fatigue; fever; frequent infections; unexplained bruising or bleeding; shortness of breath; bone or joint pain; swollen lymph nodes; pale skin; unintended weight loss
Root Cause:
Rapid proliferation of immature lymphoblasts in the bone marrow, crowding out normal blood cells.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests (CBC showing high white blood cell counts, low red blood cells and platelets), bone marrow biopsy, flow cytometry, cytogenetic analysis, and imaging studies.
Treatment:
Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, stem cell transplantation, and supportive care (e.g., blood transfusions, antibiotics).
Medications:
Medications commonly prescribed include vincristine (vinca alkaloid), dexamethasone (corticosteroid), asparaginase (enzyme), and imatinib (tyrosine kinase inhibitor, if Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Most common childhood cancer, with approximately 3,000–5,000 cases annually in the United States; less common in adults.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic syndromes (e.g., Down syndrome), family history of leukemia, previous chemotherapy or radiation, and exposure to high doses of radiation.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
High cure rates in children (5-year survival over 90%), lower in adults (35–50% 5-year survival); depends on age, subtype, and treatment response.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Infection, relapse, long-term side effects of chemotherapy (e.g., cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity), and secondary malignancies.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
Specialty: Hematology
Category: Stem Cells and Disorders
Symptoms:
fatigue; pale skin; shortness of breath; frequent infections; easy bruising or bleeding; bone or joint pain; swollen gums; unintended weight loss
Root Cause:
Uncontrolled proliferation of immature myeloid cells in the bone marrow, impairing normal blood cell production.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests (CBC showing anemia, thrombocytopenia, and high/low WBC counts), bone marrow biopsy, cytogenetic and molecular testing, flow cytometry.
Treatment:
Intensive chemotherapy, targeted therapies, stem cell transplantation, and supportive care (e.g., transfusions, growth factors).
Medications:
Medications include cytarabine (antimetabolite), daunorubicin (anthracycline), and targeted agents like midostaurin (FLT3 inhibitor) or venetoclax (BCL-2 inhibitor).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Accounts for about 1% of adult cancers; incidence increases with age (median age at diagnosis ~68 years).
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age, prior chemotherapy/radiation, smoking, benzene exposure, and certain genetic disorders (e.g., Fanconi anemia).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Poorer in older adults; overall 5-year survival ~29%; better outcomes with favorable cytogenetics.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Relapse, infection, bleeding, organ damage, and treatment-related secondary cancers.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
Specialty: Hematology
Category: Stem Cells and Disorders
Symptoms:
swollen lymph nodes; fatigue; frequent infections; fever; night sweats; unexplained weight loss; easy bruising or bleeding
Root Cause:
Accumulation of abnormal, mature-appearing but dysfunctional B-lymphocytes in the blood, bone marrow, and lymphoid tissues.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Complete blood count (CBC), flow cytometry, bone marrow biopsy, genetic testing (FISH), and imaging studies.
Treatment:
Targeted therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplantation in advanced cases.
Medications:
Ibrutinib (BTK inhibitor)
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Most common leukemia in adults in Western countries, typically diagnosed in individuals over 60 years old.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age, male gender, family history, exposure to certain chemicals (e.g., Agent Orange).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; many cases are slow-progressing and managed without treatment for years. Advanced cases may require aggressive therapy.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Infections, anemia, transformation to aggressive lymphoma (Richter's syndrome), and immune system dysfunction.
Hairy Cell Leukemia
Specialty: Hematology
Category: Stem Cells and Disorders
Symptoms:
fatigue; frequent infections; easy bruising or bleeding; enlarged spleen (splenomegaly); feeling of fullness in the abdomen; anemia; low white blood cell count (neutropenia); low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
Root Cause:
A rare type of blood cancer where abnormal B lymphocytes (white blood cells) accumulate in the bone marrow, spleen, and blood, leading to compromised immune function and bone marrow failure.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests (CBC with differential, peripheral blood smear), flow cytometry, bone marrow biopsy, and immunophenotyping (CD103, CD25 markers).
Treatment:
Chemotherapy (purine analogs like cladribine), targeted therapy, and in some cases, immunotherapy or splenectomy.
Medications:
Cladribine and pentostatin (purine analogs); rituximab (anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody); vemurafenib (BRAF inhibitor for BRAF-mutated cases). These medications fall into categories such as chemotherapy agents, monoclonal antibodies, and targeted inhibitors.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 6,000–7,000 people in the U.S., with an incidence of 0.3 cases per 100,000 annually; more common in middle-aged and older men.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Male gender, age 40–60, exposure to certain chemicals (e.g., pesticides), and genetic mutations like BRAF V600E.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with appropriate treatment, with long-term remission in most cases after therapy; relapses can occur but are usually manageable.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Persistent neutropenia, recurrent infections, secondary cancers, splenic rupture, and autoimmune phenomena.
Hodgkin Lymphoma
Specialty: Hematology
Category: Stem Cells and Disorders
Symptoms:
painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin; fever; night sweats; unexplained weight loss; fatigue; itchy skin; persistent cough or chest pain if mediastinal nodes are involved
Root Cause:
Malignant proliferation of Reed-Sternberg cells (abnormal B lymphocytes) in lymphatic tissue.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Lymph node biopsy (showing Reed-Sternberg cells), imaging (CT, PET scan), and blood tests (CBC, ESR).
Treatment:
Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and in some cases, autologous stem cell transplantation.
Medications:
ABVD regimen (Adriamycin /doxorubicin , Bleomycin , Vinblastine , Dacarbazine ); brentuximab vedotin (anti-CD30 monoclonal antibody); nivolumab or pembrolizumab (immune checkpoint inhibitors). These include chemotherapy drugs, monoclonal antibodies, and immunotherapy agents.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 8,500 cases diagnosed annually in the U.S.; most common in individuals aged 15–40 or over 55.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Epstein-Barr virus infection, family history, weakened immune system, and HIV infection.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Highly treatable; five-year survival rate exceeds 85% with modern therapy.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Secondary malignancies, infertility, cardiotoxicity, and lung damage from treatment.
Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma
Specialty: Hematology
Category: Stem Cells and Disorders
Symptoms:
red, scaly skin patches; plaque-like skin lesions; itchiness; skin thickening; enlarged lymph nodes; ulcerated tumors
Root Cause:
Malignant proliferation of T-cells primarily affecting the skin.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Skin biopsy, blood tests (Sézary cells in advanced stages), imaging studies, and flow cytometry.
Treatment:
Phototherapy, topical corticosteroids, systemic therapy (chemotherapy, targeted drugs), and extracorporeal photopheresis.
Medications:
Bexarotene (retinoid)
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, accounting for less than 5% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age, male gender, and genetic predisposition.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; early stages are manageable, but advanced stages can be challenging to treat.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Secondary infections, disfigurement, progression to systemic disease, and treatment-related toxicities.
Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL)
Specialty: Hematology
Category: Stem Cells and Disorders
Symptoms:
bleeding and bruising; shortness of breath; chest pain; fever; fatigue; low platelet counts; nosebleeds or bleeding gums; blood clots in veins or arteries
Root Cause:
Blocked maturation of promyelocytes due to a specific genetic translocation (t(15;17)), leading to accumulation in the bone marrow.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests (low platelets, high WBC counts, and DIC markers), bone marrow biopsy, genetic testing for PML-RARA fusion gene.
Treatment:
Differentiation therapy with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) combined with arsenic trioxide (ATO) or chemotherapy.
Medications:
All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) (vitamin A derivative ), arsenic trioxide (ATO), and occasionally anthracyclines (e.g., daunorubicin ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
A rare subtype of AML, accounting for about 10% of AML cases.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predispositions, exposure to radiation, and prior chemotherapy.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with prompt treatment; 5-year survival rates exceed 80%.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), relapse, and differentiation syndrome.
B-Cell Lymphoma
Specialty: Hematology
Category: Stem Cells and Disorders
Symptoms:
swollen lymph nodes; fever; night sweats; unexplained weight loss; fatigue; abdominal or chest pain; skin rashes or lumps
Root Cause:
Uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal B-lymphocytes, typically originating in the lymphatic system.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical exam, lymph node biopsy, imaging tests (CT, MRI, PET scans), blood tests, bone marrow biopsy, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry.
Treatment:
Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplantation, and in some cases, surgery.
Medications:
Rituximab (monoclonal antibody)
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Most common non-Hodgkin lymphoma, accounting for about 85% of cases globally.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age, male gender, family history of lymphoma, immunosuppression, viral infections (e.g., EBV, HIV), and chronic inflammation.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on subtype and stage; early-stage localized lymphoma often has a good prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate exceeding 70% in some cases. Advanced-stage lymphoma is more challenging but can respond well to modern therapies.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Secondary cancers, organ damage due to metastasis, infections, anemia, and treatment-related toxicities.
Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)
Specialty: Hematology
Category: Stem Cells and Disorders
Symptoms:
fatigue; weight loss; night sweats; splenomegaly; easy bruising or bleeding; bone pain; feeling of fullness in the abdomen
Root Cause:
Unregulated proliferation of myeloid cells due to a genetic translocation forming the Philadelphia chromosome (BCR-ABL fusion gene).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
CBC, bone marrow biopsy, genetic testing for BCR-ABL, and quantitative PCR.
Treatment:
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) as first-line therapy; advanced cases may require stem cell transplantation.
Medications:
Imatinib (TKI)
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Accounts for about 15% of adult leukemias; most common in individuals aged 50-60.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age, radiation exposure, and rare genetic predispositions.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with early diagnosis and TKI therapy; most patients achieve long-term remission.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Blast crisis (progression to acute leukemia), infections, and TKI-related side effects.
Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)
Specialty: Hematology
Category: Stem Cells and Disorders
Symptoms:
swollen lymph nodes; unexplained fever; night sweats; weight loss; fatigue; loss of appetite; shortness of breath; chest pain
Root Cause:
Rapid and abnormal growth of large B-cells (a type of white blood cell), leading to tumor formation in lymph nodes and/or extranodal sites.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, blood tests, lymph node biopsy, imaging studies (e.g., PET or CT scans), and molecular testing to identify genetic markers and cell surface proteins.
Treatment:
Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy (if localized), and stem cell transplantation in refractory or relapsed cases.
Medications:
Commonly prescribed medications include R-CHOP regimen (Rituximab – a monoclonal antibody, Cyclophosphamide – an alkylating agent, Doxorubicin – an anthracycline, Vincristine – a vinca alkaloid, and Prednisone – a corticosteroid).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
DLBCL is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, accounting for about 30-40% of cases worldwide.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age, male sex, family history of lymphoma, weakened immune system, exposure to certain infections (e.g., Epstein-Barr virus), and previous cancer treatments.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis varies; approximately 60-70% achieve remission with R-CHOP therapy. Advanced stage, high-risk genetic markers, and refractory disease worsen outcomes.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Relapse, tumor lysis syndrome, secondary infections, organ dysfunction, and therapy-related secondary cancers.
Erythroleukemia
Specialty: Hematology
Category: Stem Cells and Disorders
Symptoms:
fatigue; weakness; paleness; easy bruising; bleeding; frequent infections; shortness of breath; bone pain
Root Cause:
Malignant transformation of immature red and white blood cells in the bone marrow, leading to ineffective hematopoiesis.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Bone marrow biopsy, complete blood count (CBC) showing anemia and blast cells, flow cytometry, and cytogenetic analysis.
Treatment:
Chemotherapy (e.g., induction and consolidation), targeted therapy, supportive care (e.g., blood transfusions), and allogeneic stem cell transplantation for eligible patients.
Medications:
Cytarabine (an antimetabolite), anthracyclines (e.g., daunorubicin ), and hypomethylating agents (e.g., azacitidine or decitabine ) may be used in treatment regimens.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, accounting for less than 5% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age, prior exposure to chemotherapy or radiation, and genetic predispositions.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Poor prognosis; 5-year survival rates are low and depend on response to treatment and patient factors.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pancytopenia, infections, hemorrhage, and disease relapse.
Erythromelalgia
Specialty: Hematology
Category: Stem Cells and Disorders
Symptoms:
burning pain in extremities; redness; warmth; swelling; symptoms worsen with heat or exercise
Root Cause:
Dysregulation of blood flow in small blood vessels, often due to underlying blood disorders or nerve dysfunction.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation, exclusion of other conditions, and testing for underlying disorders (e.g., blood tests for platelet abnormalities).
Treatment:
Avoidance of triggers, cooling of affected areas, and management of underlying conditions; symptomatic relief may involve medication.
Medications:
Aspirin (antiplatelet), gabapentin or pregabalin (nerve pain modulators), and topical lidocaine or capsaicin creams for localized symptoms.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, often associated with myeloproliferative disorders such as essential thrombocytosis or polycythemia vera.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Underlying hematologic conditions, genetic predisposition, and nerve damage.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with treatment; managing the underlying condition can significantly reduce symptoms.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pain, skin damage, and functional impairment.
Essential Thrombocytosis
Specialty: Hematology
Category: Stem Cells and Disorders
Symptoms:
headache; dizziness; visual disturbances; burning pain in hands and feet; easy bruising; nosebleeds; blood clots
Root Cause:
Overproduction of platelets by megakaryocytes in the bone marrow, often due to mutations in the JAK2, CALR, or MPL genes.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests showing elevated platelet count, bone marrow biopsy, and genetic testing for driver mutations.
Treatment:
Low-dose aspirin for symptom relief, cytoreductive therapy (e.g., hydroxyurea), or interferon-alpha for high-risk patients.
Medications:
Hydroxyurea (antineoplastic agent) to reduce platelet count and low-dose aspirin (antiplatelet agent) to prevent clotting.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1-2 per 100,000 individuals annually, typically diagnosed in older adults.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age > 50 years, female sex, and genetic mutations (e.g., JAK2, CALR, MPL).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally favorable with treatment; life expectancy close to normal in most cases.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Blood clots, bleeding, progression to myelofibrosis or acute leukemia.
Follicular Lymphoma
Specialty: Hematology
Category: Stem Cells and Disorders
Symptoms:
painless swollen lymph nodes; fatigue; night sweats; fever; weight loss
Root Cause:
Slow-growing cancer of B lymphocytes characterized by genetic alterations (e.g., t(14;18) translocation) leading to deregulated cell survival.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical exam, lymph node biopsy, imaging studies (CT, PET), and blood tests for LDH and beta-2 microglobulin levels.
Treatment:
Watchful waiting for asymptomatic cases, chemotherapy, immunotherapy (e.g., rituximab), and targeted therapies.
Medications:
Rituximab (monoclonal antibody), bendamustine (alkylating agent), and lenalidomide (immunomodulatory agent) are commonly used.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Accounts for 20-30% of non-Hodgkin lymphomas; more common in middle-aged and older adults.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age, family history, immune system dysfunction, and certain infections (e.g., HCV).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Often indolent but incurable; median survival is over 10 years with appropriate management.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Transformation to a more aggressive lymphoma (e.g., DLBCL), infections, and therapy-related side effects.
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT)
Specialty: Hematology
Category: Stem Cells and Disorders
Symptoms:
fatigue; weakness; low blood counts leading to anemia, infections, or bleeding tendencies; graft-versus-host disease (gvhd) symptoms in some cases
Root Cause:
Replacement of diseased or damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells from a donor or the patient (autologous or allogeneic transplantation).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis involves identifying the underlying condition requiring transplantation (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma). Matching HLA typing between donor and recipient is critical for allogeneic transplants.
Treatment:
Pre-conditioning with chemotherapy/radiation, infusion of stem cells, supportive care (anti-infection drugs, immunosuppression).
Medications:
Cyclophosphamide (chemotherapy), busulfan (conditioning agent), tacrolimus and cyclosporine (immunosuppressants to prevent GVHD), and antifungal/antiviral agents (e.g., fluconazole , acyclovir ). These include chemotherapeutics, immunosuppressants, and anti-infective drugs.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
HSCT is used for thousands of patients annually worldwide, with rising applications due to expanding indications.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced disease stage, poor donor-recipient match, age >50, and comorbidities increase risks of complications.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Highly dependent on the underlying disease and type of transplant; survival rates range from 50–90% for various conditions.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
GVHD, infections, organ damage, and relapse of the original disease.
Lymphoblastic Lymphoma
Specialty: Hematology
Category: Stem Cells and Disorders
Symptoms:
rapidly enlarging lymph nodes; shortness of breath or chest pain due to mediastinal mass; fatigue; fever; night sweats; unexplained weight loss
Root Cause:
Aggressive cancer arising from immature T or B lymphoblasts, closely related to acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Biopsy of lymph nodes or affected tissue, immunophenotyping, and imaging studies (CT, PET scan).
Treatment:
Intensive chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and, in some cases, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Medications:
Hyper-CVAD regimen (cyclophosphamide , vincristine , doxorubicin , dexamethasone ); asparaginase ; rituximab for B-cell types. These are chemotherapy drugs and monoclonal antibodies.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, accounting for 2–4% of non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases, most common in young adults and children.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition, prior radiation or chemotherapy, and immunosuppression.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; five-year survival rates range from 40–70%, depending on age and response to treatment.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Disease relapse, tumor lysis syndrome, and treatment-related toxicity.
Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Specialty: Hematology
Category: Stem Cells and Disorders
Symptoms:
painless lymph node swelling; fatigue; night sweats; fever; unexplained weight loss; gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain or diarrhea
Root Cause:
Malignancy of B lymphocytes originating in the mantle zone of lymph nodes, associated with a t(11;14) chromosomal translocation.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Lymph node biopsy, immunohistochemistry (cyclin D1 overexpression), and imaging studies.
Treatment:
Combination chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and autologous stem cell transplantation.
Medications:
R-CHOP (rituximab , cyclophosphamide , doxorubicin , vincristine , prednisone ); BTK inhibitors like ibrutinib or acalabrutinib . These are chemotherapy drugs, monoclonal antibodies, and targeted inhibitors.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Accounts for 6–8% of all non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases, more common in men over 60.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age, male gender, and genetic mutations (e.g., cyclin D1 overexpression).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Poor without treatment; median survival of 3–5 years, but targeted therapies and stem cell transplantation improve outcomes.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Relapse, resistance to therapy, and secondary malignancies.
Mediastinal Lymphoma
Specialty: Hematology
Category: Stem Cells and Disorders
Symptoms:
persistent cough; shortness of breath; chest pain; swelling in the face or arms (superior vena cava syndrome); fatigue; fever; night sweats
Root Cause:
A subtype of lymphoma originating in the thymus or mediastinal lymph nodes, commonly associated with primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) or Hodgkin lymphoma.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Imaging (CT or PET scans), biopsy of the affected tissue, and immunohistochemistry to determine cell type.
Treatment:
Combination chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy.
Medications:
R-CHOP regimen (rituximab , cyclophosphamide , doxorubicin , vincristine , prednisone ); checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab for refractory cases. These include chemotherapy drugs and immunotherapy agents.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Accounts for 2–4% of all lymphomas, more common in young women aged 20–40.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Female gender, Epstein-Barr virus, and genetic abnormalities in tumor suppressor genes.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with modern treatment; five-year survival rates exceed 80% for most patients.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Superior vena cava syndrome, tumor lysis syndrome, and relapse.
Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphomas (MALTomas)
Specialty: Hematology
Category: Stem Cells and Disorders
Symptoms:
abdominal pain; indigestion; weight loss; fatigue; anemia-related symptoms; lymphadenopathy in extranodal sites
Root Cause:
Low-grade B-cell lymphoma arising from mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, often linked to chronic infections like Helicobacter pylori in the stomach.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Biopsy of affected tissue, endoscopy for gastric cases, and molecular testing for genetic translocations (e.g., t(11;18)).
Treatment:
Antibiotic therapy for H. pylori-related cases, localized radiation, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy.
Medications:
Antibiotics (amoxicillin , clarithromycin ) for H. pylori; rituximab (anti-CD20 antibody) for systemic disease. These include anti-infective agents and monoclonal antibodies.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, comprising 5–8% of non-Hodgkin lymphomas; most common in older adults.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chronic infection with H. pylori or other pathogens, autoimmune conditions (e.g., Sjögren’s syndrome), and genetic abnormalities.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with early treatment; five-year survival exceeds 90% for localized disease.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Progression to high-grade lymphoma and organ dysfunction.
Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)
Specialty: Hematology
Category: Stem Cells and Disorders
Symptoms:
fatigue; shortness of breath; frequent infections; easy bruising or bleeding; pale skin (anemia)
Root Cause:
Ineffective blood cell production in the bone marrow, leading to low counts of red cells, white cells, and platelets. Often caused by acquired genetic mutations.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Bone marrow biopsy, cytogenetic analysis, and blood tests (CBC with peripheral smear).
Treatment:
Supportive care (transfusions, growth factors), chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or stem cell transplantation.
Medications:
Azacitidine and decitabine (DNA hypomethylating agents); lenalidomide (immunomodulator for del(5q) cases); erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). These include epigenetic drugs, immunomodulators, and growth factors.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 10,000–12,000 people annually in the U.S., primarily older adults.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age, prior chemotherapy/radiation, exposure to toxins (e.g., benzene), and genetic predisposition.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; median survival ranges from months to years depending on risk group (low vs. high).
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), infections, and bleeding complications.
Myeloproliferative Disease
Specialty: Hematology
Category: Stem Cells and Disorders
Symptoms:
fatigue; splenomegaly-related symptoms; easy bruising or bleeding; thrombosis (e.g., stroke or deep vein thrombosis); fever; weight loss
Root Cause:
Overproduction of blood cells (red cells, white cells, or platelets) due to mutations in stem cells, often involving the JAK2, CALR, or MPL genes.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests (CBC, peripheral smear), bone marrow biopsy, and genetic testing for mutations.
Treatment:
Phlebotomy, cytoreductive therapy, and targeted therapy; in advanced cases, stem cell transplantation.
Medications:
Hydroxyurea (cytoreductive agent), ruxolitinib (JAK2 inhibitor), and interferon-alpha (cytokine therapy). These include cytotoxic drugs, targeted inhibitors, and cytokines.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, with polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF) being subtypes. Prevalence varies between 1–10 per 100,000 people.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age, genetic mutations (e.g., JAK2 V617F), and family history.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic conditions; survival ranges from 5–20 years depending on subtype and complications.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Progression to acute leukemia, thrombosis, bleeding, and bone marrow failure.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)
Specialty: Hematology
Category: Stem Cells and Disorders
Symptoms:
swollen lymph nodes; fever; night sweats; unintended weight loss; fatigue; itchy skin; abdominal pain or swelling
Root Cause:
Abnormal proliferation of lymphocytes, often linked to genetic mutations, immune system dysfunction, or exposure to certain infections (e.g., Epstein-Barr virus).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, blood tests, imaging studies (CT, PET), lymph node biopsy, bone marrow biopsy.
Treatment:
Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant in advanced cases.
Medications:
Rituximab (monoclonal antibody), CHOP regimen (cyclophosphamide , doxorubicin , vincristine , prednisone ), other targeted therapies like ibrutinib or lenalidomide .
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 4% of all cancers in the U.S.; more common in men and older adults.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age over 60, weakened immune system, infections (HIV, EBV, H. pylori), exposure to chemicals or radiation, family history of lymphoma.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies widely based on subtype and stage; 5-year survival rate is around 73% overall but higher for indolent forms.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Increased risk of infections, secondary malignancies, organ dysfunction due to metastasis, treatment-related side effects.
Polycythemia Vera
Specialty: Hematology
Category: Stem Cells and Disorders
Symptoms:
headache; dizziness; itching (especially after a hot shower); fatigue; blurred vision; red or flushed skin; blood clots
Root Cause:
Mutation in the JAK2 gene leads to overproduction of red blood cells, white cells, and platelets.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Complete blood count (CBC), JAK2 mutation test, bone marrow biopsy, erythropoietin level.
Treatment:
Phlebotomy, low-dose aspirin, cytoreductive therapy with hydroxyurea or ruxolitinib.
Medications:
Hydroxyurea (cytoreductive agent), ruxolitinib (JAK2 inhibitor), low-dose aspirin (antithrombotic).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; approximately 1-2 cases per 100,000 annually.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age over 60, family history, genetic predisposition.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Manageable with treatment; life expectancy approaches normal with proper therapy.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Blood clots, stroke, heart attack, progression to myelofibrosis or acute leukemia.
Primary Myelofibrosis
Specialty: Hematology
Category: Stem Cells and Disorders
Symptoms:
fatigue; anemia; bone pain; abdominal discomfort from splenomegaly; night sweats; weight loss
Root Cause:
Abnormal stem cell proliferation leads to fibrosis of bone marrow, reducing its ability to produce blood cells.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
CBC, bone marrow biopsy, JAK2, CALR, or MPL mutation testing.
Treatment:
JAK2 inhibitors (e.g., ruxolitinib), blood transfusions, stem cell transplant in advanced cases.
Medications:
Ruxolitinib (JAK2 inhibitor), thalidomide (antiangiogenic agent), lenalidomide (immunomodulator).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1.5 cases per 100,000 annually.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age over 50, mutations in JAK2, CALR, or MPL genes.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Median survival 5-7 years; better outcomes with stem cell transplantation.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe anemia, infections, progression to acute myeloid leukemia.
Secondary Polycythemia
Specialty: Hematology
Category: Stem Cells and Disorders
Symptoms:
headache; dizziness; flushing; itching after a warm bath; shortness of breath; fatigue
Root Cause:
Excess erythropoietin production due to chronic hypoxia, tumors, or other conditions that increase red blood cell production.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
CBC, erythropoietin levels, arterial blood gas, imaging to identify potential causes (e.g., tumors, lung disease).
Treatment:
Address underlying cause (e.g., oxygen therapy for hypoxia, surgical removal of tumors), phlebotomy if necessary.
Medications:
No specific medications for polycythemia itself; underlying conditions dictate treatment (e.g., erythropoiesis-stimulating agents are avoided).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
More common than primary polycythemia; varies based on prevalence of causative factors like chronic lung disease.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), high altitude, kidney tumors, sleep apnea.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good if underlying cause is treatable; chronic cases require long-term management.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Increased risk of thrombosis, stroke, or heart attack due to elevated red blood cell count.
Thyroid Lymphoma
Specialty: Hematology
Category: Stem Cells and Disorders
Symptoms:
rapidly enlarging thyroid mass; difficulty swallowing; difficulty breathing; hoarseness; weight loss; fever; night sweats
Root Cause:
Malignant lymphocytes infiltrate the thyroid, often associated with chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (Hashimoto's thyroiditis).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Fine needle aspiration (FNA) or core biopsy of thyroid mass, imaging (CT or PET scans), immunohistochemistry.
Treatment:
Combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy; sometimes surgery for airway obstruction.
Medications:
Rituximab (monoclonal antibody), CHOP regimen (cyclophosphamide , doxorubicin , vincristine , prednisone ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; accounts for less than 5% of all thyroid malignancies.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age, female sex, underlying Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, family history of lymphoma.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good if detected early; 5-year survival rate is over 80% with appropriate treatment.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Compression of trachea or esophagus, metastasis to other organs, treatment-related toxicities.
X-linked Lymphoproliferative Syndrome (XLP)
Specialty: Hematology
Category: Stem Cells and Disorders
Symptoms:
severe reactions to epstein-barr virus (ebv) infection; fever; enlarged spleen; jaundice; low blood cell counts; increased risk of lymphoma
Root Cause:
Genetic mutation in SH2D1A or XIAP genes leading to dysregulated immune response to EBV and other infections.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Genetic testing, EBV titers, flow cytometry to assess lymphocyte function.
Treatment:
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (curative), supportive care for infections and complications, immunoglobulin replacement therapy.
Medications:
Immunoglobulin (replacement therapy), corticosteroids for inflammatory responses, antivirals for EBV management.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; occurs in 1-2 per million males.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of XLP, male sex (X-linked inheritance).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Poor without stem cell transplant; survival rates improve significantly with early intervention.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), lymphoma, aplastic anemia, recurrent infections.