Leukemia A Cancer of the Blood
Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It causes the bone marrow to produce abnormal white blood cells, which can’t function properly. These abnormal cells can crowd out healthy blood cells, leading to a variety of health problems.
Types of Leukemia
There are two main types of leukemia:
- Acute Leukemia: This type of leukemia progresses rapidly.
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): Primarily affects children and young adults.
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): More common in adults.
- Chronic Leukemia: This type of leukemia progresses more slowly.
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): Most common in adults.
- Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML): Often affects older adults.
Symptoms of Leukemia
Symptoms of leukemia can vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue: Feeling tired and weak
- Frequent infections: Weakened immune system
- Easy bleeding or bruising
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Bone pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Enlarged spleen or liver
Diagnosis of Leukemia
Diagnosis of leukemia typically involves:
- Blood tests: To check for abnormal blood cell counts.
- Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy: To examine bone marrow cells.
- Physical exam: To assess for signs of infection, bleeding, or organ enlargement.
Treatment of Leukemia
Treatment for leukemia depends on the type of leukemia, the stage of the disease, and the patient’s overall health. Common treatments include:
- Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy: Using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
- Stem cell transplantation: Replacing damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells.
- Targeted therapy: Using drugs to target specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving the outcome of leukemia. If you experience any symptoms of leukemia, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for a prompt evaluation.