Etymed
leukemia
Definition
A malignant disease of the blood and bone marrow characterized by an abnormal increase in white blood cells
Clinical context
A 7-year-old boy presents with fatigue, pallor, and frequent infections. Physical examination reveals splenomegaly and petechial rash. Laboratory studies show elevated white blood cell count with immature cells on peripheral smear, and bone marrow biopsy confirms malignant proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells. His CBC shows pancytopenia with blasts. What is the most likely diagnosis? The patient's condition results from uncontrolled production of abnormal white blood cells that cannot perform their normal immune functions.
Mnemonic
Leukemia = Leuk- (white blood cells) + -emia (blood disorder) = malignant increase in abnormal white blood cells