Leukemia is a type of cancer somewhat different than most. Simply put, leukemia is cancer of the blood, bone marrow and lymph system. Persons with this disease have an unusual number of white blood cells that are abnormal. These abnormal cells can stop the normal white blood cells from functioning properly and leave them with the inability to ward off infection.
Leukemia can be divided into two types, acute and chronic. Acute leukemia involves cells that multiply at a very fast pace. This type of leukemia needs to be treated immediately. If diagnosis comes too late, it can be fatal. Some types of acute leukemia respond well to treatment and are curable in many cases. Chronic leukemia progresses at a much slower rate. Although there are over a dozen types of this disease, there are four types that are most common.
These types are:
Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
This type of disease is most common in adults over the
age of 60. It generally affects men more often than women.
Acute myelogenous starts with abnormalities in the bone
marrow blast cells. Treatment can be very affective with
this type. In about two thirds of cases, remission can
be achieved. The cure rate is currently estimated to be
40-50% of all patients suffering from acute leukemia.
Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia
This type of disease tends to affect adults middle aged
or seniors. With chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) bone
marrow cells multiply outside the bone marrow tissue.
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for (CML) yet. Children
are rarely affected by it. There appears to be a genetic
connection in almost all cases.
Acute Lymphocyte Leukemia
This type affects young children most often. Abnormal
multiplying of early nongranular white blood cells causes
this disease. Often the patient will experience symptoms
such as a respiratory infection that reoccurs or cannot
be extinguished through repeated doses of antibiotics.
Patient may experience swelling, aches of the bones and
joints and excessive bruising. With proper treatment remission
can be achieved in up to 80% of the cases. Children have
a higher success rate of remission than adults.
Chronic Lymphocyte Leukemia
This type of leukemia is the most common in the United
States. Generally, older adults are affected. Symptoms
are not usually present and in most cases diagnosis comes
by accident. Men are far more likely than women to suffer
from chronic lymphocyte leukemia (CLL). This type of cancer
is believed to be connected to the build up of abnormal
cells over an extended period of time.
Exposure And High Risk Factors of Leukemia
When it comes to leukemia, anyone can get it. The cause
of this disease isn’t known, but exposure to certain
environmental factors such as exposure to chemicals; high
doses of radiation, nuclear leaks and possibly exposure
to electromagnetic fields are known contributors. Some
genetic problems may also increase your risk. Older adults
are more likely to be struck by this disease. Men are
slightly higher at risk than women. As with other forms
of cancer, African-Americans are at a higher risk than
most groups. If you have had chemotherapy or radiation
in the past you may also be at higher risk.
Signs And Symptoms of Leukemia
Here is a list of some of the symptoms you may be likely to experience. Please keep in mind that several of these symptoms may be signs of less serious conditions.
- Bruising easily
- Bleeding easily
- Night sweats
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Pale appearance
- Bone pain
- Joint pain
- Weakness
- Headaches
- Bleeding gums
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Swollen or tender lymph nodes
- Liver or spleen tender, swollen or enlarged
- Red marks on the skin
- Shortness of Breath (SOB)
- Loss of appetite
- Infection
- Fever
- Weight loss
Leukemia Prevention
The best way to prevent this disease is to avoid work
and living situations that may expose you to high doses
of radiation and chemicals such as benzene. If you believe
you have several of these symptoms, especially night sweats,
high fevers and are bruising easily, see your doctor immediately
for a screening. If you have a small child that is showing
several symptoms please do not wait. The cure rate in
several of these types of leukemia is very promising when
caught early.
Leukemia Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have leukemia, your doctor will
want to do a physical exam, run some blood tests and obtain
a bone marrow sample. A bone marrow sample is a procedure
where the doctor will obtain a small sample of marrow
through the use of a needle. This sample will be studied
under a microscope to look for the presence of leukemia
cells.
Leukemia Treatments
Your type of leukemia, your age and the stage of your
leukemia will all be determining factors when your doctor
decides on a plan of treatment. In certain instances,
your doctor will want to simply watch and observe your
condition. Click for more information about Cancer Treatments.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is usually the best option for the acute
type. Chemical agents are used to kill the abnormal cells.
Normal, healthy cells that are affected by treatment will
regenerate in time once treatment is over. Chemotherapy
is administered in several ways depending on your form
of cancer. The most common ways therapy is given is by
injection or in pill form. Click for more information
about Chemotherapy.
Radiation
Administered where there is a collection of leukemia cells
in one area of the body. In radiation high doses of high-energy
rays are admitted to stop the growth of unhealthy cells.
If your doctor feels this is the most affective therapy
for your type of leukemia,
radiation can also be administered throughout the body.
Click for More information about Radiation.
Biological Therapy
Sometimes used to boost your immune systems response to
the disease.
Bone Marrow Transplant
Used to replace your abnormal bone marrow with normal
healthy bone marrow.
Leukemia Remission
Leukemia can go into remission for years. Your doctor
will want to run blood tests after you have received treatment
to see if you are leukemia free. Even then, your doctor
may want to keep up therapy to prevent reoccurrence of
this disease.
Stem Cell Research
Umbilical cord blood is now being used in children with
leukemia. Stem cells could be a promising alternative
in adults over bone marrow transplants. The advantage
over traditional treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy
is that stem cells do not wipe out your immune system.
Cord blood also offers one important advantage over bone
marrow, your body is much more likely to accept cord blood
over the possible rejection of marrow. Studies in Europe
are ongoing and show much promise.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and not intended to replace a doctor’s diagnosis or treatment.
