Leukemia is cancer of the body’s blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system.
There are four main types of Leukemia, depending upon whether they are acute or chronic, and myeloid or lymphocytic:
There are many complex types and subtypes of leukemia. Some forms of leukemia are common in children, while other forms occur mostly in adults. Leukemia starts in the bone marrow and often moves rapidly into the blood cells. It can then spread to other parts of the body, such as:
Most people with leukemia are unable to know or understand what caused it. Anyone can get leukemia. Common risk factors include:
People who smoke are at a bigger risk of getting acute myeloid leukemia (AML) than people who don’t.
Long-term exposure to high levels of benzene and exposure to herbicides can cause leukemia.
If you have been through chemotherapy drugs previously to treat other cancers, you are more likely to get AML or ALL.
High doses of radiation such as being a survivor of an atomic bomb blast or nuclear reactor accident raise a person’s risk for AML, ALL, CML.
People having down syndrome, ataxia-telangiectasia, or bloom syndrome are subject to a bigger risk of developing acute leukemias.
Not in every case, but people with relatives who have AML or CLL may be at higher risk of getting leukemia.
Leukemia can be best found early by reporting any of its possible signs or symptoms. Doctors may detect chronic leukemia in a routine blood test before symptoms begin. If this happens, or if you have signs or symptoms that suggest leukemia, you may undergo the following diagnostic exams:
Leukemia symptoms vary depending on the type of leukemia. Common signs & symptoms include:
Leukemia treatments depend on multiple factors. A doctor determines leukemia treatment options based on your age and overall health, the type of leukemia you have, and whether it has spread to other parts of your body, like the central nervous system.
Following are the common treatments used to overcome leukemia: