About Leukemia
What is leukemia?
Leukemia is a type of cancer that originates in the blood-forming tissues of the body, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. It is characterized by the rapid production of abnormal white blood cells, which are not fully developed and hence, are unable to perform their usual functions.
There are several types of leukemia, each classified by the speed of progression and the type of cells involved. The main types are Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), and Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). Acute leukemia is a rapidly progressing disease that results in the accumulation of immature blood cells, while chronic leukemia progresses more slowly and allows for the growth of greater numbers of more developed cells.
Leukemia can affect individuals of any age, but certain types are more common in children, while others occur mostly in adults. The exact cause of leukemia is unknown, but it’s believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Symptoms of leukemia can vary widely, depending on the type. Common symptoms may include fatigue, frequent infections, fever, easy bruising or bleeding, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, and bone pain or tenderness. However, many types of leukemia often don’t cause any symptoms in the early stages.
Diagnosis of leukemia typically involves blood tests to look for abnormal levels of white blood cells or platelets, and bone marrow tests to look for cancerous cells. Once diagnosed, treatment options for leukemia include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, biological therapy, and stem cell transplant. The choice of treatment depends on the type and stage of leukemia, as well as the patient’s overall health and preferences.
While leukemia is a serious disease, advances in treatment have significantly improved the prognosis for many types of leukemia. Early detection and prompt treatment can increase the chances of a successful outcome.
How does leukemia develop?
Leukemia is a type of cancer that begins in the blood-forming cells of the bone marrow, the soft inner part of certain bones. It involves the production of abnormal white blood cells, the cells responsible for fighting infection in our bodies.
The development of leukemia is a multi-step process that begins with a mutation, or change, in the DNA of a single cell in the bone marrow. This mutation causes the cell to produce white blood cells that are not fully mature and cannot function properly. These immature cells, known as blasts, continue to reproduce and accumulate, eventually crowding out healthy cells in the bone marrow and spilling over into the bloodstream.
There are several types of leukemia, each classified by the type of blood cell that becomes cancerous and the rate at which the disease progresses. Acute leukemia is characterized by a rapid increase in the number of immature blood cells, while chronic leukemia progresses more slowly and allows for the growth of greater numbers of more developed cells.
The exact cause of the initial mutation that leads to leukemia is not known, but it’s believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Certain genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, are associated with an increased risk of leukemia. Exposure to high levels of radiation, certain chemicals, and some chemotherapy drugs can also increase the risk.
It’s important to note that while anyone can develop leukemia, certain factors can increase the risk. These include having a family history of leukemia, having certain genetic disorders, having had previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy, and being a smoker.
Once leukemia develops, it can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, frequent infections, fever, easy bruising or bleeding, weight loss, and bone pain. However, many people with leukemia have no symptoms, particularly in the early stages of the disease.
Leukemia Symptoms
Leukemia symptoms vary, depending on the type of leukemia. Common leukemia signs and symptoms include:
Fever or chills
Persistent fatigue, weakness
Frequent or severe infections
Losing weight without trying
Swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen
Easy bleeding or bruising
Recurrent nosebleeds
Tiny red spots on your skin (petechiae)
Excessive sweating, especially at night
Bone pain or tenderness
What is the survival rate of leukemia?
Five-year survival rates can give you an idea of how long people with a specific type of leukemia survive after diagnosis. With leukemia, survival rates depend on:
Although this is an estimate, no two people have the same response to treatment. Also, your medical team will recommend lifestyle changes and other ways to increase your chances of successful treatment.
Leukemia Treatment long-term side effects
- Fertility problems
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Cataracts
- Heart and lung problems
- Thyroid problems
- Diabetes
- Bone density issues like osteoporosis
- Increased infection risks
- Confusion or memory problems
Leukemia Treatment Recovery
Chemotherapy treatment will damage your healthy cells as well as the leukemia cells. Patients should stay in the hospital until they recover from induction treatment, which usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks.
Leukemia Types & Causes
How does leukemia affect my body?
Leukemia is a type of cancer that originates in the blood-forming tissues, primarily the bone marrow. It leads to the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells, which are not fully developed and hence, are unable to perform their usual functions. This overproduction and malfunction of white blood cells can have several effects on the body.
Immune System: White blood cells are a crucial part of the immune system, responsible for fighting off infections. In leukemia, the abnormal white blood cells are not able to effectively fight off infections, making individuals with leukemia more susceptible to frequent infections.
Blood Clotting: Platelets, which help in blood clotting, can be crowded out by the overproduction of white blood cells in the bone marrow. This can lead to easy bruising and bleeding, as the body cannot form clots effectively.
Anemia: Red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all parts of the body, can also be crowded out by the overproduction of white blood cells. This can lead to anemia, a condition characterized by a lack of enough healthy red blood cells. Symptoms of anemia can include fatigue, weakness, and pale skin.
Organ Function: The overproduction of white blood cells can lead to an enlarged spleen or liver, as these organs work to filter out the excess cells. This can result in abdominal discomfort or pain.
General Health: The body’s energy is diverted to the production of these abnormal cells, which can lead to weight loss and general fatigue. Additionally, the body may produce substances called cytokines in response to the disease, which can cause a person to lose their appetite and feel tired.
Bone Health: As leukemia progresses, it can cause bone or joint pain. This is due to the buildup of abnormal cells in these areas.
What are the different types of leukemia?
Leukemia is a complex disease with several types, each with its own unique characteristics and treatment approaches. The four most common types of leukemia are Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), and Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML).
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): Is a fast-growing type of leukemia that affects lymphoid cells. It is the most common type of cancer in children, but it can also occur in adults. Symptoms can include fatigue, fever, weight loss, and bleeding or bruising easily.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): Affects myeloid cells and progresses rapidly without treatment. It is more common in adults than in children. Symptoms can include fatigue, fever, weight loss, and an increased risk of infections due to a low white blood cell count.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): Is a slow-growing type of leukemia that affects lymphoid cells. It is the most common type of leukemia in adults. Many people with CLL do not have any symptoms at the time of diagnosis, and it is often discovered during routine blood tests.
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): Affects myeloid cells and tends to progress slowly at first before transitioning to a phase where it grows more quickly. It is most commonly diagnosed in adults. Symptoms can include fatigue, weight loss, and an enlarged spleen.
There are also fewer common types of leukemia, such as hairy cell leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myeloproliferative disorders. Each type of leukemia has its own treatment approach, which can include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and stem cell transplant.
What causes leukemia?
Leukemia is a type of cancer that begins in the blood-forming cells of the bone marrow. While the exact cause of leukemia is not known, it is believed to occur due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Genetic Factors: Certain genetic abnormalities or mutations can increase the risk of developing leukemia. For instance, specific chromosomal translocations, where parts of chromosomes swap places, have been associated with different types of leukemia. Additionally, inherited genetic disorders such as Down syndrome or Li-Fraumeni syndrome can increase the risk of leukemia.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain environmental factors has been linked to an increased risk of leukemia. This includes high levels of radiation, either from a nuclear reactor accident or from radiation therapy for a previous cancer. Exposure to certain chemicals, such as benzene, which is used in the rubber industry, and certain chemotherapy drugs, can also increase the risk of leukemia.
Immune System Disorders: Certain disorders of the immune system, such as Human T-cell leukemia virus-1 (HTLV-1) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), can increase the risk of certain types of leukemia.
Lifestyle Factors: Certain lifestyle factors such as smoking and a high intake of processed meats and alcohol have been associated with an increased risk of certain types of leukemia.
It’s important to note that having one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean that a person will develop leukemia. Most people with risk factors never develop the disease, while many people with leukemia have none of these risk factors. Furthermore, leukemia can occur in individuals of all ages, although the risk generally increases with age.
Leukemia in Iran
Equipped hospitals and advanced specialized centers with experienced doctors and specialists are available in all medical treatment areas in Iran. Also, good hotels and entertainment centers have made Iran an appropriate choice for patients who suffer from leukemia aka blood cancer.
How is leukemia diagnosed in Iran?
In Iran, the diagnosis of leukemia follows a similar process to global standards, involving a combination of physical examinations and laboratory tests.
The initial suspicion of leukemia often arises from a routine blood test or the presence of symptoms such as fatigue, fever, weight loss, and easy bruising or bleeding. If the blood test shows an abnormal white cell count, it may suggest the diagnosis of leukemia.
To confirm the diagnosis and identify the specific type of leukemia, a needle biopsy and aspiration of bone marrow from a pelvic bone will need to be done. This test checks for leukemic cells, DNA markers, and chromosome changes in the bone marrow.
In addition to these tests, a complete blood count (CBC) or microscopic evaluation of the blood may be performed. This can help determine if there are abnormal levels of red or white blood cells or platelets, which may suggest leukemia.
Another technique used is flow cytometry, which can help identify the type of leukemia by looking at the cells in a sample of blood or bone marrow. This test can provide important information about the prognosis and guide treatment decisions.
Despite the challenges, such as the unfair distribution of facilities across the country and delayed diagnosis of disease, Iran has made significant strides in improving the diagnosis and treatment of leukemia. The country is working towards better healthcare standards and making amendments to health policies by preparing well-equipped medical centers in all provinces.
How is leukemia treated in Iran?
Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are common treatment methods for leukemia in Iran, as they are worldwide. These treatments can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, anorexia, fatigue, and pain.
One of the unique aspects of leukemia treatment in Iran is the use of generic drugs. According to Iranian law, all drugs should be generics if a generic version is available. For instance, the only drug available to Iranians with chronic myelogenous leukemia through insurance is Indian imatinib. This drug is a generic version of the original Gleevec brand and costs one-tenth of the original. This policy makes the treatment more affordable for patients.
While Iran follows global standards in leukemia treatment, the use of generic drugs and the challenges in healthcare infrastructure present unique aspects of leukemia treatment in the country. Further improvements in healthcare policies and infrastructure could enhance the standard of care for leukemia patients in Iran.