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 Risk Factors
Leukemia is a complex cancer of the blood and bone marrow, and its exact cause is often unknown. However, several risk factors have been identified that can increase the likelihood of developing this disease.
One of the primary risk factors is exposure to high levels of radiation. This includes individuals who have been exposed to radiation from atomic bomb explosions, nuclear reactor accidents, or radiation therapy for other cancers.
Exposure to certain chemicals is another significant risk factor. Long-term exposure to benzene, a chemical found in gasoline and used in the chemical industry, has been linked to an increased risk of leukemia, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Additionally, smoking is a well-known risk factor, as cigarettes contain numerous cancer-causing substances. Studies estimate that about 20% of AML cases are related to smoking.
A history of previous cancer treatment can also elevate the risk. Patients who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation therapy for other cancers may develop secondary leukemia due to the DNA damage caused by these treatments. For instance, treatments for Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) have been associated with an increased risk of developing AML later in life.
Genetic predispositions play a crucial role as well. Certain genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, Fanconi anemia, ataxia-telangiectasia, and Bloom syndrome, are associated with a higher risk of leukemia. These conditions often involve chromosomal abnormalities that can predispose individuals to cancer. Moreover, a family history of leukemia can increase risk, particularly for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Individuals with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with CLL have a two- to four-fold increased risk of developing the disease.
Other risk factors include myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), which are disorders caused by poorly formed or dysfunctional blood cells. About one-third of patients with MDS may eventually develop leukemia.
Additionally, age is a significant factor, as the risk of most types of leukemia increases with age, particularly for chronic forms like CLL and CML.
Despite these known risk factors, it is important to note that many people with one or more of these risk factors never develop leukemia, and many who do develop leukemia have no known risk factors.
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.
