Disorders that affect the white blood cells are a broad group.
White blood cells are also called leukocytes.
Several types work to protect the body from disease.
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Disorders of these blood cells, especially cancerous ones, can be deadly.
The most common cancerous conditions are lymphomas, leukemias, and myelomas.
There are many kinds of white blood cells, and they all play different roles in the immune system.
The generic name for a white blood cell is a leukocyte.
As a whole, white blood cell disorders are pretty common.
Together they make up almost 10% of new cancer cases each year.
These out-of-control cells make abnormal white blood cells that dont work right and dont die when they usually would.
These damaged cells can interfere with the functioning of other healthy cells.
Lymphomas start when white blood cells undergo genetic mutations that make them grow out of control.
Plasma cells live in the bone marrow, each making a specific antibody.
Antibodies are particular proteins that help the body recognize and fight off germs.
These malignant plasma cells may form a tumor that damages the bone.
These abnormal multiple myeloma cells produce excess amounts of a monoclonal antibody called M-protein.
This protein can clump up and damage other body parts, including the kidneys.
Myeloma can be slow-growing and is sometimes found on routine blood testing before symptoms appear.
Sometimes multiple myeloma is caught early on its course, is not considered active, and is asymptomatic.
While one bone lesion may be identified, it is common for multiple bone lesions to be identified.
This is why it is called multiple myeloma.
Some of these are cancers and precancerous conditions; others are genetic diseases.
Most are relatively uncommon.
Myelodysplastic syndromes:Cancers develop when bone marrow stem cells are abnormal and cant make enough white blood cells.
These cells are usually irregular.
These includemonoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance(MGUS) and light chain amyloidosis.
There are over 200 of these rare primary immune deficiency diseases.
What Are the Mortality Rates for White Blood Cell Disorders?
The survival rates for various blood cancers and white blood cell disorders vary, but many are hopeful.
Generally, the earlier a white blood cell disorder is found, the better your chance of survival.
Five-year survival rates can drop quickly once cancer becomes aggressive.
In this instance, the NCI goes by the five-year mark for its survival rates.
But survival rates can bepresented in several different ways.
Survival rates are not a prognosis (estimate of recovery) for an individual.
Summary
White blood cell disorders include conditions that are cancerous, precancerous, and noncancerous.
The most common white blood cell disorders are cancers: leukemias, lymphomas, and myelomas.
These diseases are all related to the white blood cells in the bone marrow or the lymphatic system.
The white blood cells play an essential role in fighting off germs.
These diseases have varying survival rates and are typically more common in men and older people.
Frequently Asked Questions
No.
Most people who get leukemia are older.
A punch in of leukemia called acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is more common in kids.
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American Cancer Society.What is multiple myeloma?
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American Cancer Society.What are myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)?
National Institutes of Health.Chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms treatment (PDQ)patient version.
National Institutes of Health.Types of primary immune deficiency diseases.
