Leukemia is often called "blood cancer". Specifically, it impacts the tissues in the body that form blood, such as bone marrow. Leukemia forces the body to produce immature or abnormal blood cells, which overrun the normal cells the body is able to produce. It also can affect the lymphatic system of the body. Leukemia makes it hard for the body to fight off infections by hindering the growth of normal blood cells, including white blood cells. There are different types of leukemia. Some are more aggressive and faster-growing than others. Leukemia is sometimes considered a childhood disease, but people of any age range can suffer from it. Like any other disease, it is best to catch and diagnose leukemia as early as possible. There is a high chance of surviving leukemia with proper and prompt treatment.
Types of Leukemia
The four types of leukemia include:
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia - This type of leukemia often impacts adults. It affects the cells that would become red blood cells, platelet-producing cells, and future white blood cells. The cells are able to partially mature but are still unable to function properly.
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia - This type of leukemia is common in older individuals. It begins in the bone marrow but may spread to the blood and the lymph nodes. It's formed from cells that would be white blood cells. It can also spread to the spleen, liver, or brain. Acute leukemias require treatment as they progress quickly.
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia - This type of leukemia is the most common leukemia in adults. It affects the cells that would become white blood cells. It progresses slowly. Cancer-stricken cells build up in the blood. Cancer may spread to the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen.
- Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia - This type of leukemia infects immature lymphocytes. It progresses quickly. It can spread to the lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and central nervous system without treatment.
Signs and Symptoms of Leukemia
The symptoms of leukemia that may be present will depend on the type of leukemia as well as how early on it's caught. Some symptoms that may indicate leukemia include:
- Nosebleeds that recur often
- Bleeding or bruising easily
- Severe or frequent infections
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Enlarged liver or spleen
- Chills or fever
- Weakness or fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Sweating more than usual/night sweats
- Pain or tenderness in the bones
For those who are experiencing these symptoms, getting a medical evaluation is prudent. Some forms of leukemia are quite aggressive and fast-spreading. If someone does have leukemia, beginning treatment as soon as possible will give them the best chances of overcoming the disease. Paying attention to symptoms and being proactive about health is a great idea.
Treating Leukemia
Treatment options for leukemia will vary. The best option will be chosen based on overall health, age, type of leukemia, and stage of progression. Some treatments include:
- Bone Marrow Transplant - A bone marrow transplant can give a patient's body enough healthy bone marrow to allow it to produce healthy blood cells on its own again. Patients require large doses of chemotherapy before a transplant.
- Chemotherapy - Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses intravenously administered drugs to eliminate cells in the body that grow at a fast rate. It's used for treating many types of cancers.
- Radiation Therapy - Radiation therapy uses the application of intense, focused beams of energy to eliminate cancer cells in the body.
- Immunotherapy - Immunotherapy allows the body's own immune system to become strong and fight cancer cells more easily.
- Targeted Therapy - Targeted therapy involves using drugs or chemicals to destroy cancer cells in various ways. It may make them more easily detected, or poison them from the inside out.
Some people may get to participate in clinical trials of new treatments. Clinical trials allow patients to receive cutting-edge, experimental treatments for their disease. These are obviously not without risk, but sometimes can be very beneficial to patients.