T-cell leukemia

T-cell leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the T cells of the immune system. It is a subtype of leukemia, a broader category of blood cancers. T-cell leukemia is characterized by the uncontrolled growth and proliferation of T cells, which can lead to a variety of symptoms and complications.

Types

There are several types of T-cell leukemia, each with its own unique characteristics and prognosis. These include:

• Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL): This is a rare and aggressive type of T-cell leukemia that is associated with infection by the Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1).

• T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL): This is a type of acute leukemia that primarily affects children and young adults. It is characterized by the rapid growth of immature T cells.

• T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL): This is a very rare and aggressive type of T-cell leukemia that primarily affects older adults.

Symptoms

The symptoms of T-cell leukemia can vary depending on the specific type of leukemia and the stage of the disease. Common symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Weight loss
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Skin rash
• Abdominal pain

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of T-cell leukemia typically involves a combination of physical examination, medical history, blood tests, and biopsy of the bone marrow or lymph nodes. Additional tests may be performed to determine the specific type of T-cell leukemia and to assess the extent of the disease.

Treatment

Treatment for T-cell leukemia depends on the specific type of leukemia, the stage of the disease, and the patient's overall health. Treatment options may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplantation, and targeted therapies.

See also

• Leukemia
• T cell
• Cancer
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy

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