The French-American-British (FAB) staging system is used to classify which type of leukemia?

The French-American-British (FAB) staging system is specifically designed to classify acute leukemias, which include acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This system provides a framework for categorizing acute leukemia based on the morphology of the leukemic cells as seen in a blood smear and bone marrow aspirate.

By focusing on the characteristics of the cells such as size, shape, and the presence of specific markers, the FAB classification helps in determining the type of acute leukemia a patient might have, which is critical for guiding treatment decisions and predicting outcomes. The importance of this classification lies in its ability to differentiate between subtypes of acute leukemia, each having distinct biological behavior and treatment responses.

Other types of hematological disorders mentioned do not utilize this specific staging system; chronic leukemias and lymphomas have different classification systems, focusing on different parameters related to their pathophysiology, treatment approaches, and prognostic implications.