Leukemia is a cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, resulting in an abnormal increase in white blood cells. These malignant cells harm healthy blood cells, reducing the body's ability to fight infections and creating a number of health issues. This thorough reference will address the symptoms, causes, treatment choices, types, diagnostic method, and risk factors related to leukemia.
How Leukemia Forms
Leukemia develops when the DNA of blood stem cells changes, causing them to create an abnormal number of white blood cells. These cells do not function properly and occupy space in the bone marrow, making it difficult for good cells to proliferate.
Symptoms
Leukemia symptoms vary depending on the kind and stage of the disease. Still, common signs include fatigue and weakness, recurrent infections, easy bleeding, unexplained weight loss, bone pain, swollen lymph nodes, and abdominal discomfort.
Causes
The specific cause of leukemia is unknown; however, a number of variables may contribute to its development.
Genetic factors, such as mutations or chromosomal abnormalities, can increase the risk of leukemia.
Environmental exposures may be associated with exposure to certain substances or radiation.
Pre-existing blood disorders, such as myelodysplastic syndrome, can lead to leukemia.
Types of Leukemia
Leukemia is categorized into four groups based on the type of white blood cells affected and the rate at which the sickness advances.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): A quickly progressing kind that affects immature lymphocytes and is particularly common in children.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): A slow-progressing form that affects mature lymphocytes, which is most common in older adults.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): A fast-moving type that affects immature myeloid cells and can strike adults or children.
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): A slow-progressing type that affects mature myeloid cells and occurs mostly in adults.
Diagnosis
The diagnostic process includes a number of tests and examinations:
Physical examination: The doctor examines the patient for symptoms of anaemia, enlarged organs, or swollen lymph nodes.
Blood test: A complete blood count, or CBC, may detect abnormal blood cell counts.
Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy: Bone marrow samples are collected and examined under a microscope to detect the presence of cancerous cells.
Risk factors
Several factors can raise the likelihood of developing leukemia:
Genetics: People with a family history of leukemia or certain genetic conditions may be predisposed to the disease.
Radiation Exposure: High doses of radiation, such as nuclear radiation or some cancer therapies, can increase the risk.
Chemical Exposure: Certain pollutants, like benzene, may raise the risk of acquiring leukemia.
Previous Blood Disorders: Pre-existing blood disorders, such as MDS, can lead to leukemia.
Treatment
How leukemia is treated depends on the patient's type, stage, and overall condition. Common alternatives to therapy include:
Chemotherapy: These potent drugs target and kill cancer cells.
Radiation Therapy: High-energy X-rays are utilized to target cancer cells in certain regions.
Stem cell transplantation: The process of replacing diseased or malignant cells with healthy stem cells.
Targeted Therapy: It focused on specific molecules connected to the development of cancer.
Immunotherapy: The process strengthens the body's defences against cancerous cells.
Clinical trials: Participating in clinical trials to access new treatments and therapies.
Conclusion
Leukemia is a prevalent type of cancer that affects the blood cells. There are numerous therapy options for leukemia, and your care team will create a personalized treatment strategy based on the circumstances of your case. Finding out you have cancer can be scary or stressful, so get as much help as possible.
Dr. Satyendra Katewa, Director & Head of Department
Blood & Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapies
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