Leukemia
On this page, you will find all the information you seek about leukemia.
What Is leukemia?
Leukemia is a cancer of the white blood cells. It originates in the bone marrow and then spreads to the bloodstream and other parts of the body. Leukemia comes in different types, classified based on the type of blood cells affected and the rate of progression in the body, whether acute or chronic.
- There are severalALLtypes of leukemia:
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): This is the most common type ofAMLblood cancer in children, although adults can also be affected.
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): This can occur at anyCLLage, but it is most prevalent in older adults.
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): The most common type of blood cancer in adults.CMLIt grows slowly, and its impact on the patient’s health is mild.
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): Develops over weeks or months. It affects adults over the age of 40 and is rare in children.
What Are the Symptoms of Leukemia?
- Leukemia typically does not present with a single symptom, but rather a combination of symptoms, including:
- Fatigue..
- Fever.
- Nightsweats.
- Easy bruising.
- Increased tendencyto bleed.
- Unintentional weight loss.
- Loss of appetite.
- Bone and joint pain.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- Frequentinfections.
- Anemia.
- Swollen and bleeding gums.
The appearance of small red spots under the skin that resembles freckles.
What Causes Leukemia?
- To date, the exact cause of leukemia remains unknown. However, some possibilities suggest that genetics and chromosomes might be involved. Several factors may increase the risk of developing leukemia, such as:
- Smoking.
- Exposure to certain chemicals.
- Previous cancer treatments, includingchemotherapy or radiation therapy.
- Certain genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome.Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus).
- Infections with certain viruses, like the Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus.Myelodysplastic Syndrome).
- A medical history of blood disorders, such as Myelodysplastic Syndrome (a blood problem that may lead to cancer).
A family history of leukemia.
How Is Leukemia Diagnosed?:
- Doctors take a medical history and conduct a clinical examination. They may also request additional procedures as needed, including:
- Blood sample.
- Bone marrow sample.
- Lymph node biopsy.Lumbar Puncture).
- Lumbar puncture.
- A chest X-ray is performed to ensure that the cancer has not spread to the chest and lungs.CT Scan).
CT scan (computed tomography).
What Are the TreatmentOptions for Leukemia?:
- Treatment involves various procedures, or as needed, including:
- Radiation Therapy: A type of cancer treatment that uses high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation to kill cancer cells and prevent their growth.
- Chemotherapy: A cancer treatment using drugs that stop cancer cells from growing, either by killing the cells or stopping them from dividing and spreading. Chemotherapy can be administered orally or injected into the vein or muscle, or directly into the cerebrospinal fluid or affected organ.
- In some cases, a doctor may recommend stem cell transplantation or bone marrow transplantation.
- Immunotherapy or biological therapy.
Splenectomy.
How Can Leukemia Be Prevented?
- No specific method exists for preventing leukemia, but several factors can help reduce the risk, including:
- Avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals like benzene and toluene.
- Avoiding unnecessaryX-ray exposure.
- Quitting smoking. For more details, here is the guide to quitting smoking.
Abstaining from alcohol.
What Are the Complications of Leukemia?
- Leukemia can have several potential complications, many of which are related to the lack of different types of white blood cells. Some common concerns include:
- Severe infections.
Serious bleeding.
When Should You See a Doctor?
- If you suspect you have leukemia or have symptoms associated with it, it is important to consult your physician.
- Fever.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- Unintentional weightloss.
- Anemia.
The appearance of small red spots under the skin resembles freckles.
Frequently Asked Questions
I had both an X-ray and a CT scan that my doctor ordered for a previous issue. Could this lead to cancer?
