Hematologic Malignancies (HEME-301) | 100 Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma Exam Questions with Answers

This document includes 100 high-yield, exam-ready questions and answers focused on leukemias, lymphomas, plasma cell dyscrasias, and myeloproliferative neoplasms, forming part of the Hematologic Malignancies unit in the HEME-301 course at the University of Health Sciences for the 2025/2026 academic year. It offers a concise and clinically oriented breakdown of diagnostic markers, genetic mutations, treatment strategies, and disease progression—all presented in an active recall format with annotated mnemonics and memory cues. Key Topics Covered: Leukemias: Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): >20% blasts, Auer rods, t(15;17) → Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) treated with All-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): t(9;22) BCR-ABL Philadelphia chromosome, progression to blast crisis; treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS): <20% blasts, risk of transformation to AML ALL (T vs B cell subtypes) and their overlap with Philadelphia chromosome-positive cases Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs): Polycythemia Vera, Essential Thrombocythemia, Primary Myelofibrosis: all associated with JAK2 mutation, with symptoms like pruritus after hot baths and splenomegaly Treatments include phlebotomy, hydroxyurea, ruxolitinib, stem cell transplant Lymphomas: Burkitt Lymphoma: t(8;14), c-MYC oncogene, starry-sky appearance Mantle Cell Lymphoma: t(11;14), cyclin D1, CD5+ Follicular Lymphoma: t(14;18), BCL-2 oncogene Marginal Zone Lymphoma: associated with H. pylori Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: common aggressive NHL, CNS involvement Hodgkin Lymphoma: Reed-Sternberg cells, EBV-associated Plasma Cell Dyscrasias: Multiple Myeloma: serum light chain deposition, renal insufficiency, CRAB features (hyperCalcemia, Renal dysfunction, Anemia, Bone lesions) Immunoglobulin profile: IgG > IgA, associated with M-spike and Bence-Jones proteins This resource is ideal for: Medical students preparing for hematology, pathology, or oncology coursework Learners targeting USMLE Step 1 & 2, PLAB, COMLEX, AMC, or hematology-based OSCEs Pharmacy, nursing, and PA students studying for disease mechanisms and treatment strategies in blood cancers With vivid mnemonics, chromosome translocation memory aids, and clinical correlations, it serves as an efficient tool for both memorization and application. Keywords: AML, APL, t(15;17), ATRA, CML, BCR-ABL, Philadelphia chromosome, ALL, MDS, JAK2 mutation, polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, myelofibrosis, Burkitt lymphoma, t(8;14), cyclin D1, t(11;14), follicular lymphoma, t(14;18), BCL-2, marginal zone lymphoma, H. pylori, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, Reed-Sternberg cells, multiple myeloma, CRAB, M spike, hematologic malignancies