Leukemia

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

It usually starts in the white blood cells. In people with leukemia, the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells that don't function properly, crowding out healthy blood cells.

Symptoms

Symptoms are often vague and resemble the flu. However, unlike the flu, they don't go away. Common signs include:

• Fever or chills.
• Persistent fatigue and weakness.
• Frequent or severe infections.
• Losing weight without trying.
• Swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen.
• Petechiae: Tiny red spots in your skin (caused by bleeding).
• Easy bleeding or bruising (recurrent nosebleeds).
• Excessive sweating, especially at night.
• Bone pain or tenderness.

⚠️ WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
Leukemia symptoms are easily overlooked. Make an appointment if you have persistent fatigue, unexplained bruising, or a fever that won't go away.

How Leukemia is Classified

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

1. By Speed

• Acute Leukemia: Abnormal blood cells are immature (blasts). They multiply rapidly, and the disease worsens quickly. Requires aggressive treatment.
• Chronic Leukemia: Involves more mature blood cells. It progresses slowly and may go unnoticed for years.

2. By Cell Type

• Lymphocytic: Affects lymphoid cells (immune system).
• Myelogenous: Affects myeloid cells (which give rise to red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets).

The 4 Major Types

• Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL): The most common type in young children, though it can occur in adults.
• Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML): A common type in both adults and children.
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): The most common chronic adult leukemia. You may feel well for years without needing treatment.
• Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML): Mainly affects adults. Symptoms may be few until the disease enters a rapid phase.

Complications

Because leukemia disrupts blood production, complications include:

• Severe Infection: Due to a lack of healthy white blood cells to fight bacteria.
• Bleeding Issues: Due to a lack of platelets (thrombocytopenia).
• Anemia: Fatigue and shortness of breath due to low red blood cells.

Diagnosis

Doctors often find chronic leukemia during routine blood tests before symptoms appear. Diagnostic tools include:

• Physical Exam: Checking for swollen lymph nodes or an enlarged spleen.
• Blood Tests: Checking for abnormal levels of white blood cells or platelets.
• Bone Marrow Test: A needle removes a sample of marrow from the hipbone to look for leukemia cells.

Treatment

Treatment depends on your age, overall health, and the type of leukemia.

1. Chemotherapy

The major form of treatment. It uses chemicals to kill leukemia cells (pills or IV injections).

2. Targeted Therapy

Drugs that attack specific vulnerabilities within your cancer cells (e.g., Imatinib/Gleevec for CML). This blocks the growth of leukemia cells with less damage to normal cells.

3. Radiation Therapy

Using X-rays to damage leukemia cells and stop their growth.

4. Stem Cell Transplant

Also known as a bone marrow transplant. High doses of chemo/radiation destroy your diseased bone marrow, which is then replaced with healthy stem cells from a donor or your own body to rebuild your blood supply.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.