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Leukemia: Symptoms, Types & Treatment

 

Blood cancer

Leukemia-  Symptoms, Types & Treatment

The Cancer of blood and bone marrow is called Leukemia, it develops in the body’s blood-forming tissues. This disease starts with the mutation of a cell in the bone marrow, which doesn’t develop and functions normally. The mutation occurs rapidly, and the abnormal cell growth gets out of control, finally spilling into the bloodstream. Unlike other types of cancers, leukemia doesn’t develop into a tumor in the patient’s body, hence can’t be viewed with imaging tests. Alternatively, it causes an abnormal rise in the number of White Blood Cells in the body.

White Blood Cells (WBC) are an essential part of the body’s immune system. It protects the body from external influences such as infection of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other foreign substances. In patients with leukemia, the WBC behaves abnormally. Its cell division occurs too quickly and it overwhelms other normal cells such as Red Blood Cells (RBC) and Platelets that are necessary for the body to function normally. Most of the WBC are formed in the bone marrow, but the spleen, lymph nodes, and thymus gland also produce certain types of WBC. After its production, WBC circulates through the blood and lymphatic system, finally accumulating in the lymph node and spleen.

There are many types of leukemia, some of which affect children, and some affect adults. The treatment procedure of patients with leukemia is done on a case-by-case basis.

Leukemia: Origin and Effect

The origin of leukemia is in the bone marrow where blood cells are produced. All blood cells are initially in form of hematopoietic stem cells until reaching maturity.

These blood stem cells first develop into either lymphoid cells or myeloid cells. When development is normal it forms into:

  • Lymphoid cells turn into certain types of white blood cells such as lymphocytes and natural killer cells.
  • Myeloid cells get converted into platelets, red blood cells, and certain types of white blood cells such as eosinophils, basophils, and neutrophils.

Stem cells in the bone marrow experience cell division and multiplication to produce the necessary type of blood cells. However, in patients with leukemia, this cell growth is defective, which causes an abnormal amount of WBC to be produced rapidly. These abnormal cells are also called leukemia cells that occupy more space and eventually crowd out normal cells. This is harmful as:

  • Leukemia cells are not useful to the body, unlike normal cells.
  • It diminishes the production of useful RBC, WBC, and platelets by occupying more space.
  • When the body doesn’t get an adequate amount of oxygen due to the lower production of normal blood cells, it impacts the organs’ functioning and makes it vulnerable to external influences such as infection.

Leukemia cells are generally immature white blood cells and make the blood appear lighter to the naked eye when observed under the microscope, due to excess amount of WBC.

Symptoms of Leukemia

Although symptoms of Leukemia may vary depending on the type, a few of these signs are usually observed during the early stages:

  • Fatigue and weakness don’t diminish even with adequate rest.
  • Unintentional weight loss.
  • Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck, groin, underarms, and stomach.
  • Easily bleed or bruise.
  • Enlarged spleen or liver.
  • Tiny red spots (petechiae) appear on the skin.
  • Frequent Fever and chills.
  • Lower immunity against infections and diseases.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Hyperhidrosis or abnormal sweating during the night.
  • Pain and tenderness in the bone.
  • Headache.
  • Nausea & Vomiting.
  • Confusion.
  • Loss of muscle control.
  • Seizures.

 

Symptoms of leukemia

Causes and Risks Factors for Leukemia

Presently there are no known causes for Leukemia. However, based on past medical records, the risk factors can be deduced to identify people who are at a higher risk of getting Leukemia. The following is a list of observed risk factors:

  • Family History of Leukemia.
  • Smoking improves the chances of developing Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).
  • Genetic disorders (such as Down Syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, Neurofibromatosis, etc.)
  • Previously experienced radiation or chemotherapy treatment for cancer.
  • Exposure to extreme amounts of Radiation
  • Exposed to Excessive Chemicals (such as Benzene and Formaldehyde).

The factors above are just a few of the most commonly observed traits; however, patients can get Leukemia even if they don’t have these risk factors. There are also cases where people who are at a higher risk never get Leukemia in their lifetime. As it is not a transmissible disease, it doesn’t spread from one person to another.

Types of Leukemia

Leukemia can be classified based on:

Speed of Development:

Acute Leukemia

Leukemia cells spread swiftly as the disease gradually progresses, and the patient starts showing symptoms within weeks of when the first Leukemia cell is formed. Acute Leukemia mostly consists of immature WBC and is the most common type of pediatric cancer.  

Chronic Leukemia

In this type of medical condition, the Leukemia cells’ activity can vary between mature and immature cells. These cells are usually capable of making the body cells function as it is meant to be, but have lower performance than normal cells. Patients with chronic leukemia gradually show health decline over time, unlike acute leukemia where the condition worsens very quickly. This disease is almost  found in adults  

Type of Cell:

Myelogenous Leukemia

It is developed in the myeloid cell line. Normal myeloid cell develops into RBC, WBC, and platelets. 

Lymphocytic Leukemia

It occurs in the lymphoid cell line. Normal lymphoid cell develops into WBC that are essential for the body’s immune system

There are four major types of Leukemia:

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia 

Acute myelogenous leukemia is the most common form of Leukemia observed in adults and the second most common form of Leukemia observed in children. Older adults over 65 years of age and men are at a higher risk of getting Acute Myeloid Leukemia than women.

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

This is the most commonly found type of childhood Leukemia. Children, teens, young adults, and people up to the age of 39 years are at a higher risk of this cancer. Acute lymphocytic Leukemia spreads to the lymph nodes and central nervous system.

Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

This form of leukemia mainly affects adults especially older adults and men. Patients with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia may not show noticeable symptoms and it can only be diagnosed after getting a blood test.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

It is the most common form of chronic leukemia affecting adults. It is very rarely observed in children. Few types of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia stay stable for many years, so patients usually don’t require treatment. However, when the body isn’t able to create the necessary amount of normal blood cells treatment becomes necessary. Men are at a higher risk of getting Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, especially white men.

In addition to the above-mentioned types of Leukemia, there are many other types of leukemia subtypes such as Lymphoma Cell Leukemia, Hairy Cell Leukemia,  Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia, and Prolymphocytic

Treatment for Leukemia

The treatment of Leukemia is based on the type of Leukemia, patients’ condition, and the degree to which it has spread. The following are a few of the treatment options:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation Therapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted Therapy
  • Hematopoietic Cell Transplant or Bone Marrow Transplant

Leukemia treatments

Conclusion

        After being diagnosed with Leukemia it is necessary to not miss any follow-up appointments. This will help in better management of health conditions, measure treatment performance, reduce side effects, and make changes to the treatment plan if necessary.

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