I do read, have interest and care about the experiences of all of you with related cancers. I'd like to better understand.
I thought a quick reference list may help, especially for new patients or those of us that are unfamiliar with every type of leukemia.

A simple start could be under three headings and might look like this:

1) Types of leukemias: (DX = diagnosis)

MDS = Myelodysplatic Syndrome (pre AML)

CML = chronic mylogeneous (bone marrow)
CMML= chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
AML = acute mylogeneous / Blast Crisis
CLL = chronic leukemia (lymphocytic=WBCs)
ALL = acute leukemia
HD = Hodgkins Disease (a mystery to me)
NHL = Non Hodgkins Lymphoma
? = Myeloma
MM = Multiple Myeloma (bone marrow)
APL = Promyelocytic leukekmia (hair on cels)
Hairy cel = a chronic leukemia ( " " " )

2) Treatments: (= TX)

SCT = stem cel transplant
SCAT = ?
BMT = bone marrow transplant
CBT = cord cell transplant

Chemo:

Gleevec = targeted theropy in pill form
CHOP = type of chemo
R-Chop = Rituxin & Chemo

3) Tests:

PET = positron emission tomography (scan)
CT = Computed Tomography (imagaing tool)
BMA/BMB = bone marrow aspiration/biopsy
Gallium = injection prior to scan
MUGA = NHL/Multiple Gate Acquisition Scan(heart & blood flow)

4) Blood:

CBC = complete blood count
WBC = white blood count
RBC = red blood count
PLT = platelets
ANC = absolute neutrophil ct(for infection)
HB/Hgb = total hemoglobin
PVC = Packed cel volumn (low is anemia)

Maybe if everyone posted abbreviations often used, we could make a master list in order to communicate more affectively.

Or maybe it's that I'm slow and the only one not quick enough to catch on. Hope that's not the case.

quote:

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Originally posted by Lynda Maguire:
HD = Hodgkins (a mystery to me)

SCAT = stem cel transplant

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There's also NHL which isn't the hockey leauge but non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Both lymphomas have a number of other abbreviations I don't understand.

We actually abbreviate stem cell transplants SCT. SCAT is something else entirely.

There is also BMT for bone marrow transplant and, nowadays, CBT for cord blood transplant.

Dx means diagnosis and tx means treatment.

Hope this helps jog some more entries, too.

Dictionary of Cancer Terms:
http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary/

Blood:
http://www.lymphomation.org/peripheral-blood-ref.pdf

Observer, You overwhelmed me. I'll try to pull what looks familiar from reading the board and add to the post. (I'll keep the web sites)

http://www.pharma-lexicon.com/

Thanks for starting this thread.

Thanks Susan, I fixed CMB to CBC.

quote:

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Originally posted by Lynda Maguire:

HD = Hodgkins (a mystery to me)

Hairy cel = (another mystery)

3) Tests:

Maybe if everyone posted abbreviations often used, we could make a master list in order to communicate more affectively.

[This message has been edited by Lynda Maguire (edited 12-06-2006).]

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I think "HD" means "Hodgkin's Disease"
Hairy Cell refers to the appearance of the leukemia cells in Hairy Cell Leukemia- HCL

Also, PLT = platelet count

What is "PET"- I believe it's a scan of some sort.

I hope all are well today

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Originally posted by FL34:
CLL/ALL stand for chronic and acute lymphocytic leukemia.

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While we're clarifying, I just went back and noticed that AML and CML have parenthetical references that I'm not sure I understand. AML is not CML that's gone bad. They are different diseases one from the other.

quote:

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Originally posted by FL34:
little correction... ...if it matters to anyone...CLL/ALL stand for chronic and acute lymphocytic leukemia. (Not lymphoma.) LYMPHOCYTES are kinds of white blood cells. LYMPHOMA is something different, involves the lymph system/lymph nodes but not necessarily lymphocytes.

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Done....sorry

Tex, I have CML and the reason I grouped the 2 was that left untreated CML develops into AML if I understand it. It's not clear if they all had CML 1st. I certainly don't know but I'll seperate them. Thanks

What is PET?

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a powerful imaging technique that holds great promise in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, particularly cancer. A non-invasive test, PET scans accurately image the cellular function of the human body. In a single PET scan your physician can examine your entire body. PET scanning provides a more complete picture, making it easier for your doctor to diagnose problems, determine the extent of disease, prescribe treatment, and track progress.

What is PET/CT?

PET (Positron Emission Tomography) and CT (Computed Tomography) scans are both standard imaging tools that physicians use to pinpoint disease states in the body. A PET scan demonstrates the biological function of the body before anatomical changes take place, while the CT scan provides information about the body's anatomy such as size, shape and location. By combining these two scanning technologies, a PET/CT scan enables physicians to more accurately diagnose and identify cancer, heart disease and brain disorders.

quote:

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Originally posted by Lynda Maguire:
I have CML and the reason I grouped the 2 was that left untreated CML develops into AML if I understand it.

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I have asked about it and been told that the two don't relate. As I understand it, CML doesn't change dx but can go into blast crisis at some point and require more aggressive treatment which could include a transplant.

As I understand it, MDS is the condition that often mutates into AML. That's what happened with me and my AML.

Where's Michael when we need him?

quote:

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Originally posted by boletus_hunter:
Perhaps we can get this info correlated and posted in the Annex?

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quote:

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Originally posted by Tex:
I have asked about it and been told that the two don't relate. As I understand it, CML doesn't change dx but can go into blast crisis at some point and require more aggressive treatment which could include a transplant.

As I understand it, MDS is the condition that often mutates into AML. That's what happened with me and my AML.

Where's Michael when we need him?

Blessings

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Well, see how much I don't know? I've seen you refer to MDS in other posts. I didn't know what it was. I should use some of the new sites above and find out. IS that how you were originally dx'd? (MDS) How do you know if your MDS? Blood? BMB?

Also, found an explanation of CMML which I've seen & not understood. Chronic Myelomonocytic leukemia (added above)

CML is a rare type of cancer. It is a cancer of granulocytes (one of the main types of white blood cells). In CML too many granulocytes are produced and they are released into the blood when they are immature and unable to work properly. The immature white blood cells are known as blasts. The production of other types of blood cells is also disrupted. Normally, white blood cells repair and reproduce themselves in an orderly and controlled manner, but in CML the process gets out of control and the cells continue to divide and mature abnormally. The disease usually develops very slowly, which is why it is called ‘chronic’.

The diagnosis of CML is confirmed by a bone marrow test. The marrow is also sent for special tests to look at the chromosomes and the genetic material in the leukaemic cells. In CML, the blood cells usually have a specific genetic change, which is known as the Philadelphia chromosome.

CML usually starts with an initial period of stable blood counts and bone marrow function which is called ‘chronic phase’. After an average of 4 – 5 years the blood counts may start to get worse and the bone marrow may also work less well. Treatment may start to be less effective and there may be other problems like an enlarged spleen or weight loss and night sweats. This is called the ‘accelerated phase’. This phase may change into a type of acute leukaemia – this is called ‘blast crisis’. This last phase is very difficult to treat and, sadly, most people will die from their disease at this point.

Treatment choices for someone with CML are variable - depending on their age, general health and whether they have a potential bone marrow donor in their family. There have been exciting developments in the treatment of CML as more is understood about what causes the disease. Unfortunately the only treatment that promises a cure is a bone marrow transplant, which is not possible for everyone.

quote:

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Originally posted by Lynda Maguire:
IS that how you were originally dx'd? (MDS) How do you know if your MDS? Blood? BMB?

How do you manage AML and how do you feel? The only people I know of personally (3) that had AML found out last minute in the ER

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First, we all have limited information. We learn what we can, remember what we can of that and probably confuse a lot of stuff.

Myelodysplatic Syndrome (MDS) is something I still don't understand very well as I'd already passed through it into AML by the time I was dx'd. Basically, some blood stem cells stop developing correctly into the mature cells they should be.

I was dx'd with AML a little shy of the ER. I had a regular appointment with my endocrinologist and she noted I had a HGB of 5.5. She called me that night and put my butt in the hospital.

I'd been pretty anemic for years and had seen a hem-onc but the BMB (1½ years before my AML dx) had been inconclusive. Anyway, she was called in, did another BMB and came back to tell me I had AML the next day.

So, that's the story of my dx. Some people get dx'd with MDS before it progresses. Generally, there are just health issues which progress to the point they need to be checked up. Probably much the same way you got tested and yielded a CML dx.

How do I manage? I don't have AML anymore. It's "curable." Sometimes it goes away after chemo. I required a SCT. But the point is, I don't have AML to manage. If it sticks around, the end is really not happy.

quote:

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Originally posted by Lynda Maguire:
Tex, I just came across this. IF I'm getting it right, accelerated & acute are kinda one in the same.

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I had it explained to me that "acute" and "aggressive" were interchangeable. "Accelerated" never entered our discussion. Doesn't mean it doesn't apply, just that the word wasn't used. So I don't know.

I'm not sure what the difference would be with an "acute" CML and AML but, again, I was told the one didn't lead to the other. Again, I wish Michael, markf or Observer would read this and clear some of this up.

quote:

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Originally posted by Tex:
I had it explained to me that "acute" and "aggressive" were interchangeable. "Accelerated" never entered our discussion. Doesn't mean it doesn't apply, just that the word wasn't used. So I don't know.

I'm not sure what the difference would be with an "acute" CML and AML but, again, I was told the one didn't lead to the other. Again, I wish Michael, markf or Observer would read this and clear some of this up.

I'm the first to admit I'm not good at the science. I just know what I understood I was told.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Tex:
First, we all have limited information. We learn what we can, remember what we can of that and probably confuse a lot of stuff.

Myelodysplatic Syndrome (MDS) is something I still don't understand very well as I'd already passed through it into AML by the time I was dx'd. Basically, some blood stem cells stop developing correctly into the mature cells they should be.

I was dx'd with AML a little shy of the ER. I had a regular appointment with my endocrinologist and she noted I had a HGB of 5.5. She called me that night and put my butt in the hospital.

I'd been pretty anemic for years and had seen a hem-onc but the BMB (1½ years before my AML dx) had been inconclusive. Anyway, she was called in, did another BMB and came back to tell me I had AML the next day.

So, that's the story of my dx. Some people get dx'd with MDS before it progresses. Generally, there are just health issues which progress to the point they need to be checked up. Probably much the same way you got tested and yielded a CML dx.

How do I manage? I don't have AML anymore. It's "curable." Sometimes it goes away after chemo. I required a SCT. But the point is, I don't have AML to manage. If it sticks around, the end is really not happy.

Blessings

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Leukemias are classified by the type of white blood cell that has abnormal growth and by how fast the disease is progressing. Acute leukemia can be fatal within weeks or months without aggressive treatment. Abnormal blood cells that remain very immature, called "blasts," increase rapidly and the disease worsens quickly.

Chronic leukemia may produce no symptoms for years. Some immature cells may be present, but in general, these cells are more mature than those in acute leukemia and are able to carry out some normal cell functions. The number of blasts increases less rapidly than in acute leukemia, and as a result, chronic leukemia worsens gradually. Chronic leukemia can become acute leukemia.

Leukemia can arise in either of the two main types of white blood cells--lymphoid or myeloid. Leukemia that affects lymphoid cells is known as lymphocytic leukemia. When myeloid cells are affected, the disease is called myelogenous leukemia. The disease can be categorized into one of four main types (CML, AML, CLL, ALL), depending on whether it is acute or chronic and myelogenous or lymphocytic.

In addition to the four main types, there are sub-types of leukemia, such as acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), and hairy cell--a chronic leukemia in which the abnormal white blood cells appear to be covered with tiny hairs when viewed under a microscope.

Dunno....

Without seeing the phrase "accelerated myloid (sic) leukemia" in a specific context, I presume that "accelerated" refers to a phase.

Subjects of clinial studies:
1) Accelerated and blastic phase of chronic myeloid leukemia.

2) Inversion of chromosome 16 in accelerated phase of chronic myeloid
leukaemia: report of a case and review of the literature.

3) Accelerated myeloblast destruction and abnormal lysosome disruption in
cultured bone marrow: association with indolent acute myelogenous leukemia.

Acute myelogenous leukemia may be called by several names, including acute myelocytic leukemia, acute myeloblastic leukemia, acute granulocytic leukemia or acute nonlymphocytic leukemia. Designations of cell subtypes:
M0 Myeloblastic, on special analysis
M1 Myeloblastic, without maturation
M2 Myeloblastic, with maturation
M3 Promyelocytic
M4 Myelomonocytic
M5 Monocytic
M6 Erythroleukemia
M7 Megakaryocytic

Definitions:
Main Entry: acute
Pronunciation: -kyüt
Function: adjective
2 a : characterized by sharpness or severity <acute pain> <an acute infection> b (1) : having a sudden onset, sharp rise, and short course <an acute disease> <an acute inflammation> -- compare CHRONIC 2a (2) : ACUTE CARE <an acute hospital> c : lasting a short time <acute experiments>

Main Entry: acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Function: noun
: lymphocytic leukemia that is marked by an abnormal increase in the number of lymphoblasts, that is characterized by rapid onset and progression of symptoms which include fever, anemia, pallor, fatigue, appetite loss, bleeding, thrombocytopenia, granulocytopenia, bone and joint pain, and enlargement of the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen, and that occurs chiefly during childhood -- abbreviation ALL; compare CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA

Main Entry: chron·ic
Pronunciation: krän-ik
Variant(s): also chron·i·cal /-i-kl/
Function: adjective
1 a : marked by long duration, by frequent recurrence over a long time, and often by slowly progressing seriousness : not acute <chronic indigestion> <her hallucinations became chronic> b : suffering from a disease or ailment of long duration or frequent recurrence <a chronic arthritic> <chronic sufferers from asthma>
2 a : having a slow progressive course of indefinite duration -- used especially of degenerative invasive diseases, some infections, psychoses, and inflammations <chronic heart disease> <chronic arthritis> <chronic tuberculosis> -- compare ACUTE 2 (1) b : infected with a disease-causing agent (as a virus) and remaining infectious over a long period of time but not necessarily expressing symptoms <chronic carriers may remain healthy but still transmit the virus causing hepatitis B>

Main Entry: chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Function: noun
: lymphocytic leukemia that is marked by an abnormal increase in the number of mature lymphocytes and especially B cells, that is characterized by slow onset and progression of symptoms which include anemia, pallor, fatigue, appetite loss, granulocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, hypogammaglobulinemia, and enlargement of the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen, and that occurs especially in older adults -- abbreviation CLL; compare ACUTE LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA

Main Entry: ac·cel·er·ate
Pronunciation: ik-sel--rt, ak-
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): -at·ed; -at·ing
transitive verb : to cause to move faster or speed up <accelerated speech and motor activity in manic patients>; also : to cause to undergo acceleration

Main Entry: ag·gres·sive
Pronunciation: -gres-iv
Function: adjective
1 : tending toward or exhibiting aggression <aggressive behavior>
2 : growing, developing, or spreading rapidly <aggressive bone tumors>
3 : more severe, intensive, or comprehensive than usual especially in dosage or extent <aggressive chemotherapy> <aggressive surgical intervention> --
compare CONSERVATIVE

Source: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/mplusdictionary.html

I am in the watch and wait, dx with CLL on 11/10/06.
I am just dealing with one day at a time. I feel good , most days, I am mostly having a heck of a time with my feelings, at this point.

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Originally posted by Observer:
Without seeing the phrase "accelerated myloid (sic) leukemia" in a specific context, I presume that "accelerated" refers to a phase.

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The discussion has been over what the difference is between CML in a blast crisis (or accelerated phase) and AML?

Good to see your posts again.

Blessings

As before entering either phase, the distinction is "acute" vs. "chronic," and remains as such.

CML: chronic myelocytic leukemia; chronic myelogenous leukemia; chronic myeloid leukemia

AML: acute myeloblastic leukemia; acute myelocytic leukemia; acute myelogenous leukemia; acute myeloid leukemia

CML is bi- or triphasic: an initial indolent chronic phase is followed by accelerated or blast phase.

Chronic phase:
In chronic phase CML, there are 5% or fewer blast cells in the blood and bone marrow.

Accelerated phase:
In accelerated phase CML, there are 6% to 30% blast cells in the blood and bone marrow.

Blastic phase:
In blastic phase CML, there are 30% or more blast cells in the blood or bone marrow. When tiredness, fever, and an enlarged spleen occur during the blastic phase, it is called blast crisis.

Main Entry: blast crisis
: the terminal stage of chronic myelogenous
leukemia that is characterized by a marked increase in the proportion of blast cells, by fever and pain in the bones, and by increased severity of anemia, thrombocytopenia, and splenomegaly.

What is "PET"- I believe it's a scan of some sort.

Postitron Emission Tomography

From their section on "How PET Works"

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When disease strikes, the biochemistry of your tissues and cells change. In cancer, for example, cells begin to grow at a much faster rate. A PET scan takes a digital picture of abnormal cellular structure.

The most common form of a PET scan begins with an injection of a glucose-based radiopharmaceutical (FDG), which travels through the body, eventually collecting in the organs and tissues targeted for examination. The patient lies flat on a bed/table that moves incrementally through the PET scanner. The scanner has cameras that detect the gamma rays emitted from the patient, and turns those into electrical signals, which are processed by a computer to generate the medical images. The bed/table moves a few inches again, and the process is repeated.

This produces the digital images, which are assembled by the computer into a 3-D image of the patient's body. If an area is cancerous, the signals will be stronger there than in surrounding tissue, since more of the radiopharmaceutical (FDG) will be absorbed in those areas.

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