Leukemia - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Leukemia is cancer of the blood-forming tissues of the body, including the bone marrow and lymphatic system.

Several types of leukemia exist. Some forms of leukemia are more common in children. Other forms of leukemia occur mostly in adults.

Leukemia usually involves the white blood cells. Your white blood cells are powerful infection fighters – they normally grow and divide in an orderly way, as your body needs them. But in people with leukemia, the bone marrow produces excessive amounts of abnormal white blood cells, which do not work properly.

Treatment for leukemia can be complex – depending on the type of leukemia and other factors. But there are strategies and resources that can help make your treatment a success.

What are the symptoms of leukemia?

The symptoms of leukemia vary depending on the type of leukemia. Common leukemia signs and symptoms include:

*Fever or chills.

*Persistent fatigue, weakness.

*Recurrent or severe infections.

*Lose weight without trying.

* Swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen.

*Easy bleeding or bruising.

*Frequent nosebleeds.

*Small red spots (petechiae) on your skin.

* Excessive sweating, especially at night.

*Bone pain or tenderness.

When to see the doctor?

If you have any persistent signs or symptoms that worry you, you must consult a doctor.

The symptoms of leukemia are often vague and not specific. You may overlook early leukemia symptoms because they can be similar to symptoms of the flu and other common illnesses.

Sometimes leukemia is discovered during a blood test for another condition.

Cause

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Scientists have not understood the exact causes of leukemia. It appears to have developed from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

How leukemia is formed

In general, leukemia occurs when certain blood cells acquire changes (mutations) to their genetic material, or DNA. A cell's DNA contains instructions that tell the cell what to do. Normally, DNA tells the cell to grow at a set rate and to die at a set time. In leukemia, mutations tell blood cells to stop growing and dividing.

When this happens, blood cell production gets out of control. Over time, these abnormal cells can crowd out healthy blood cells in the bone marrow, leading to a decrease in healthy white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets, causing the symptoms of leukemia.

How is leukemia classified?

Doctors classify leukemia based on the speed of its progression and the type of cells involved.

The first type is classified according to how fast the leukemia progresses:

1.Acute leukemia- In acute leukemia, the abnormal blood cells are immature blood cells (blasts). They can't perform their normal functions, and they grow rapidly, so the disease gets worse quickly. Acute leukemia requires aggressive, timely treatment.

2.Chronic leukemia- There are several types of chronic leukemia. Some produce too many cells and some produce too few cells. Chronic leukemia involves more mature blood cells. These blood cells replicate or clot more slowly and may function normally for some time. Some forms of chronic leukemia initially cause no early symptoms and may go unnoticed or undiagnosed for years.

The second type of classification is by the type of white blood cell affected:

3. Lymphocytic leukemia- This type of leukemia affects the lymphoid cells (lymphocytes), which make up the lymphoid or lymphatic tissue. Lymphatic tissue makes up your immune system.

4. Myelogenous (my-uh-LOHJ-uh-nus) leukemia- This type of leukemia affects the myeloid cells. Myeloid cells give rise to red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelet-producing cells.

Types of leukemia

The major types of leukemia are:

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). It is the most common type of leukemia in young children. Can occur in all adults as well.

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). AML is a common type of leukemia. It occurs in children and adults. AML is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). With CLL, the most common chronic adult leukemia, you can feel well for years without needing treatment.

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). This type of leukemia mainly affects adults. A person with CML may have few or no symptoms for months or years before entering a phase in which the leukemia cells multiply rapidly.

other types. Other, rarer types of leukemia exist, including hairy cell leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, and myeloproliferative disorders.

Risk

Factors that increase your risk of developing certain types of leukemia include:

1. Previous cancer treatment- People who have had certain types of chemotherapy and radiation therapy for other cancers have an increased risk of developing certain types of leukemia.

2.Genetic disorders- Genetic abnormalities play a role in the development of leukemia. Some genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, are associated with an increased risk of leukemia.

3. Exposure to certain chemicals- Exposure to certain chemicals, such as benzene -- which is found in gasoline and used by the chemical industry -- has been linked to an increased risk of certain types of leukemia.

4. Smoking- Cigarette smoking increases the risk of acute myelogenous leukemia.

5.Family history of leukemia- If members of your family have been diagnosed with leukemia, your risk of the disease may increase.

However, most people with known risk factors do not develop leukemia. And many people with leukemia do not have any of these risk factors.

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