Physiological Adaptation Q 194
A nurse is caring for a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Which of the following is the most likely age range of the patient?
A. 3-10 years.
B. 25-35 years.
C. 45-55 years.
D. over 60 years.
Correct Answer: A. 3-10 years.
The peak incidence of ALL is at 4 years (range 3-10). It is uncommon after the mid-teen years. It is diagnosed in about 4000 people in the United States each year with the majority being under the age of 18. It is the most common malignancy of childhood. The peak age of diagnosis is between two and ten years of age.
Option B: ALL is uncommon during young adulthood. Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia is more common in children with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), neurofibromatosis type 1, Bloom syndrome, and ataxia telangiectasia. All are common in children between two and three years of age.
Option C: The peak incidence of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is 45-55 years. Prognosis is diminished in children when diagnosed in infants less than one year of age and in adults. It is more favorable for children. Association of the MLL gene in children at 11q23 chromosome is associated with poor prognosis.
Option D: The peak incidence of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) occurs at 60 years. Two-thirds of cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) occur after 60 years. Lymphocytic Leukemia is a disease with low incidence overall in population studies. The incidence of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia is about 3.3 cases per 100,000 children. Survival rates for ALL have improved dramatically since the 1980s, with a current five-year overall survival rate estimated at greater than 85 percent.