BLAST CRISIS Meaning and
Definition
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Blast crisis is a medical term that refers to a life-threatening stage of a certain type of blood cancer called chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). CML is a slow-progressing form of leukemia that affects the white blood cells in the bone marrow. The disease typically progresses through three phases: chronic phase, accelerated phase, and blast crisis.
During the blast crisis phase, there is a sudden and drastic increase in the number of immature, abnormal white blood cells called blast cells in the bone marrow and bloodstream. These blast cells are unable to function properly and crowd out healthy blood cells, leading to a range of serious health complications.
Symptoms of blast crisis may include fatigue, weakness, recurring infections, bone pain, weight loss, enlarged spleen, and bleeding problems. It is a critical phase of the disease that requires immediate medical attention as survival rates are significantly lower than during the other phases of CML.
Treatment options for blast crisis often involve aggressive chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, or targeted therapy. These interventions aim to reduce the number of blast cells and restore healthy blood cell production. However, the prognosis for individuals in blast crisis remains poor, with a higher likelihood of complications and a reduced chance of achieving remission.
In summary, blast crisis is the advanced stage of chronic myeloid leukemia characterized by a rapid increase in immature and abnormal white blood cells. It is a critical condition requiring prompt medical intervention to mitigate complications and improve patient outcomes.
Common Misspellings for BLAST CRISIS
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- blzst crisis
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Etymology of BLAST CRISIS
The word "blast crisis" is primarily a medical term that refers to a phase of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a type of blood cancer. The etymology of "blast crisis" lies in the terminology used to describe the stages and characteristics of this specific disease.
The term "blast" in medical context refers to immature or undifferentiated cells found in the bone marrow. In CML, there is a mutation that leads to the overproduction of these immature cells known as "blast cells". These blast cells are abnormal and incapable of functioning properly, which disrupts the normal production of healthy blood cells.
The term "crisis" indicates a critical phase or a turning point in a disease, usually involving a sudden and severe worsening of symptoms. In the case of CML, the blast crisis represents a significant progression of the disease, where the number of blast cells greatly increases, leading to an aggressive and potentially life-threatening condition.
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