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Leukemia is a cancer that starts in the bone marrow, the
soft tissue inside the bone where blood cells develop. Abnormal white blood
cells are generated within the bone marrow, multiply, and can quickly spread
throughout the body, crowding out white and red blood cells and platelets.
These abnormal cells then make it difficult for the rest of the normal white
blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets to function properly within the
body, making a person prone to infection, bruising, and bleeding. There are
four types of leukemia: acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL); acute myeloid
leukemia (AML); chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL); and chronic myeloid
leukemia (CML). Acute leukemia is characterized by rapidly growing cells and
quickly diminishes a person’s health.
Statistics
- In 2009, it is estimated that
44,790 Americans were diagnosed with new cases of leukemia.
- In 2009, 21,870 people were
expected to die from leukemia.
- In Texas, leukemia is the eighth most
common cancer with 3,470 diagnoses and 1,430 deaths estimated in 2009.
Risk
Factors
- Radiation and chemotherapy: People exposed to high
levels of ionizing radiation, like cancer patients, can be at a greater
risk for developing leukemia. Leukemia can be a side effect of
chemotherapy treatments.
- Exposure to certain
chemicals: Benzene,
the chemical found in solvents, gasoline, and the production of some
products can cause acute myeloid leukemia.
- Smoking: Cigarette smoke is a direct risk for
contracting AML as cancer agents in tobacco smoke enter the bloodstream
and can be transported through the body.
- Blood disorders: People with certain blood disorders
are at increased risk.
- Genetic
diseases: People with congenital
syndromes such as Down syndrome, Fanconi anemia, Bloom syndrome,
ataxia-telangiectasia, Klinefelter syndrome, neurofibromatosis,
and Blackfan-Diamond syndrome are at a greater risk.
- Family
history: For some types of leukemia,
having a twin or other first degree relative with leukemia increases risk.
Symptoms
- Swollen
lymph nodes
- Frequent
fevers
- Night
sweats
- Frequent
infections
- Feeling
weak or tired
- Bleeding
and bruising easily
- Slow
healing of cuts
- Small
red spots under skin
- Abdominal
swelling
- Unexplained
weight loss
- Pain
in joints and bones
- Shortness
of breath
- Pale
skin
Treatment
Options
Treating leukemia
varies depending on the type of leukemia and age of the patient. However,
patients with acute leukemia must be treated immediately. Treatment options for
leukemia include:
- Watchful waiting (for those with chronic leukemia)
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Biological therapy
- Radiation therapy
- Stem cell transplant
Sources:
American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute, and Leukemia & Lymphoma
Society