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Understanding Leukemia: From Symptoms to Treatment
- Ameisha Khan
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the body's blood-forming tissues, including bone marrow and the lymphatic system. It begins when the bone marrow rapidly produces abnormal white blood cells, called blasts. Blasts can crowd out healthy blood cells and impair the body's ability to fight infection, carry oxygen, and control bleeding, leading to various symptoms and complications.
Types of Leukemia:
There are four main types of Leukemia, each classified based on how quickly the disease develops (acute or chronic) and the type of blood cell affected (lymphoid or myeloid).
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) – Most common type in children and young adults, but it can also affect adults. Develops rapidly and involves immature blood cells called lymphocytes.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) – More common in older adults but can occur in children. Develops rapidly and involves immature blood cells called myeloblasts.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) – Most common type of chronic Leukemia in adults. Progresses slowly, and symptoms may not appear for several years. Involves mature lymphocytes.
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) – Mainly affects adults and develops slowly. Involves mature myeloid cells.
Causes and Risk Factors
While the exact cause of Leukemia is often unknown, several risk factors can increase a person's likelihood of developing the disease:
Genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome and mutations in genes that control cell growth and division
Exposure to high levels of radiation or certain chemicals, like benzene
Previous cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy
Sex, all types of Leukemia are more common in males than females
Family history of Leukemia
Smoking, which increases the risk of certain types of Leukemia
Symptoms
Leukemia symptoms vary depending on the type and the person, but common signs include:
Fatigue or weakness
Frequent infections
Fever or chills
Night sweats
Easy bruising or bleeding
Shortness of breath
Swollen lymph nodes
Pain or tenderness in bones or joints
Weight loss or loss of appetite
Headache
Abdominal discomfort
Other less severe conditions may also cause these symptoms. Therefore, it is essential to consult a physician for an accurate diagnosis.
Methods of Diagnosis
Leukemia is typically diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation, diagnostic exams, and physical exams:
Blood tests – to check for abnormal levels or shapes of blood cells
Bone marrow biopsy – to examine bone marrow tissue
Complete Blood Count (CBC) – to measure the number and types of blood cells and check for abnormal levels
Imaging tests – such as CT scans, to detect the spread to other organs
Genetic testing – to identify specific mutations or chromosomal abnormalities
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type of Leukemia, age, overall health, and stage of advancement. Common treatment approaches include:
Chemotherapy – The most common treatment using drugs to kill cancer cells.
Radiation therapy – Uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells.
Targeted therapy – Drugs that specifically attack cancer cells without harming normal cells.
Immunotherapy – Boosts the body's natural defenses to fight cancer.
Stem cell transplant – Replaces diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells from a donor
Sources:
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board
