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Leukemia

Do you know that leukemia is the tenth most common cancer in the world and it generally happens in children? Leukemia usually starts with abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow, reducing their ability to fight against certain infections. It can develop in anyone, causing severe symptoms. Different types of leukemia exist; some are more common in children while others are common in adults or older people.
What is Leukemia?
Leukemia is the cancer of the blood caused by an increased number of white blood cells in the body. This abnormal uncontrolled growth takes place in the bone marrow. These extra white blood cells do not function in the right manner and crowd out the required red blood cells and platelets. Any lymphoid cell or blood-forming cell can turn into a leukemic cell, which reproduces into many new cancer cells. These cells may overwhelm the bone marrow and spill out into the bloodstream, spreading to other organs in the body.

The symptoms of leukemia depend on its type. Some are noticeable from the early stages while some are not.
Some of the common symptoms of leukemia may include:  

  • Prolonged fatigue and weakness
  • Bone/joint pain
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Petechiae(rash/red spots on the skin)
  • Fever or chills
  • Infections
  • Enlarged spleen or liver
  • Weight loss
  • Excessive sweating
  • Seizures
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Bruising and bleeding easily

Leukemia happens when the DNA starts mutating in the white blood cells. Usually, DNA instructs the cells to grow at a specific rate and die at a set time but in this case, the mutations make the blood cells to continue growing and dividing. Due to this, blood cell production goes out of control and over time the abnormal cells start overcrowding the healthy cells in the bone marrow. It leads to fewer red blood cells and platelets, resulting in signs and symptoms of leukemia.
Some common causes of leukemia include:

  • Genetic disorders
  • Virus, like HTLV-1
  • Genetic mutation in DNA due to exposure to radiation
  • Immune deficiency
  • Genetics/family history

Although any person can develop leukemia, people involved with the following activities or factors are at a risk:

  • Family history of leukemia
  • Smoking
  • Exposure to chemicals like benzene
  • Previous treatment for cancer
  • Blood disorders
  • Genetic disorders
  • Exposure to high-level radiations
Leukemia may start suddenly(acute) or slowly(chronic). In acute leukemia, the cancer cells multiply quickly, whereas, in chronic leukemia, it progresses slowly with mild early symptoms.
Their different types include:
  • Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia(ALL)
  • Acute Myelogenous Leukemia(AML)
  • Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia(CLL)
  • Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia(CML)

Leukemia can be suspected through routine blood checkups or signs and symptoms.
The tests and exams that help in the diagnosis of leukemia include:

  • Physical exam: The doctor asks about symptoms; checks for swollen lymph nodes and enlarged liver or spleen; inspects gums for swelling or bleeding; and look for a red, brown or purple skin rash associated with leukemia.
  • Complete blood count test & blood cell examination: It is done to check if you have abnormal levels of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. In the case of leukemia, you are likely to have a higher than normal count of white blood cells. The doctor also checks for the markers that indicate the presence of leukemia cells.
  • Imaging and other tests: A chest X-ray, CT scan or MRI scan is done to check if the symptoms of leukemia have affected your organs, bones or tissues.
  • Bone marrow biopsy: If you have an abnormal white blood cell count, then the doctor performs a biopsy in which a large needle is inserted into the bone marrow to draw out the fluid during the process. This fluid is tested in the lab for leukemia cells. The bone marrow biopsy helps in determining the percentage of abnormal cells in the bone marrow and confirms the leukemia diagnosis.

The treatment of leukemia depends on its type, age&health of the patient, and how much it has spread to other organs and tissues.
The common treatment techniques for leukemia may include the combination of the following:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Bone marrow transplant
  • Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy

Sarvodaya Cancer Institute  provides personalized and precision cancer care by leveraging the expertise of the finest oncologists, the latest hi-tech modalities and world-class infrastructure.
Consult the experts by booking the appointment online or call 18003131414

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