Learning Outcomes in Listing:
i. Recognize the signs and symptoms of leukemia and thalassemia.
ii. Identify the causes behind these blood diseases.
iii. Understand the treatment options available for leukemia and thalassemia.
Learning Outcomes Described:
Students will learn to identify the clinical presentations of leukemia and thalassemia, two significant blood disorders. They will explore the underlying causes of these diseases and the current treatments used to manage and, in some cases, cure these conditions.
Summary of Lesson:
This lesson addresses two serious blood diseases: leukemia, a cancer of blood-forming tissues, and thalassemia, a genetic disorder affecting hemoglobin. Students will discover the signs and symptoms of each, delve into their etiology, and review the standard treatments that offer hope and improve quality of life for patients.
i. Leukemia:
Signs and Symptoms:
Includes fatigue, fever, frequent infections, easy bruising, bleeding, and weight loss.
Causes:
A result of mutations in the DNA of blood cells, leading to uncontrolled cell division.
Treatments:
Treatment options vary depending on the type and may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplant.
ii. Thalassemia:
Signs and Symptoms:
Characterized by chronic fatigue, weakness, pale or yellowish skin, facial bone deformities, and slow growth.
Causes:
Caused by genetic mutations that affect the production of hemoglobin in red blood cells.
Treatments:
Treatment can include regular blood transfusions, iron chelation therapy, and in some cases, bone marrow transplants.
List of Important Questions for Self-Study:
i. What are the key differences in symptoms between leukemia and thalassemia?
ii. How do genetic factors contribute to the development of thalassemia?
iii. What are the potential side effects of the treatments for leukemia and thalassemia?
iv. How can early diagnosis impact the treatment outcome for these blood diseases?
Important Terminologies Used in Lesson:
i. Leukemia: A type of cancer that affects white blood cells and the bone marrow.
ii. Thalassemia: An inherited blood disorder characterized by less hemoglobin and fewer red blood cells in your body than normal.
iii. Hemoglobin: The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
iv. Bone Marrow Transplant: A medical procedure to replace bone marrow that has been damaged or destroyed by disease or chemotherapy.
v. Chemotherapy: A type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells.
