Which type of leukemia presents with symptoms like fever, bleeding, and CNS symptoms?

Prepare for the National Clinical Assessment Test. Study with interactive quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations. Get ready to excel in your exam!

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is characterized by the rapid proliferation of immature lymphocytes, leading to a range of symptoms including fever, bleeding, and central nervous system (CNS) involvement. The acute nature of ALL means that symptoms can develop quickly and severely. Fever often results from infections due to compromised immune function, while bleeding occurs because of thrombocytopenia (a low platelet count), which impairs the blood's ability to clot. CNS symptoms can arise when leukemic cells infiltrate the nervous system, leading to neurological complications, which is notably prevalent in ALL compared to other types of leukemia.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is usually a more indolent form of the disease and typically presents with lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly rather than the acute symptoms seen in ALL.

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), while it can also present with fever and bleeding, does not have the same strong association with CNS symptoms as ALL. Similarly, chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) generally progresses more slowly and presents with features like splenomegaly and chronic fatigue, rather than the acute debilitating symptoms characteristic of ALL.

Therefore, considering its symptoms and the nature of the disease,

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy