Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are produced.
It’s characterized by rapid production of abnormal white blood cells, which accumulate in the bone marrow and interfere with the production of other blood cells, including red blood cells and platelets.
Common Symptoms:
We have blog topics delving into the various types of leukemia - such as what they are, the symptoms, how they are treated, and advice for living with the condition. You can find them below.
Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are made. It is characterized by the rapid production of abnormal white blood cells, which are not able to function properly and can crowd out healthy cells, leading to problems like anemia, bleeding, and infections.
There are several types of leukemia, broadly categorized into acute and chronic forms, as well as lymphocytic and myelogenous types. The main types include:
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
Each type affects different kinds of cells and has different treatment approaches and prognoses.
The exact cause of leukemia is not known, but several factors may increase the risk of developing the disease. These include genetic predispositions, exposure to certain chemicals or radiation, smoking, and a history of certain blood disorders. However, many people with leukemia have none of these risk factors, and many with risk factors do not develop leukemia.
Symptoms of leukemia can vary depending on the type but often include fatigue, fever, frequent infections, easy bruising or bleeding, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen, and night sweats. Some forms of leukemia may not cause any symptoms in the early stages and are discovered during routine blood tests.
Treatment for leukemia depends on several factors, including the type of leukemia, the patient's age, health status, and the extent of the disease. Common treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplant. The treatment plan can be tailored to manage the disease effectively and improve the patient's quality of life.