Leukemia begins in a cell in the bone marrow. The cell undergoes a change and becomes a type of leukemia cell. Once the marrow cell undergoes a leukemic change, the leukemia cells may grow and survive better than normal cells. Over time, the leukemia cells crowd out or suppress the development of normal cells. The rate at which leukemia progresses and how the cells replace the normal blood and marrow cells are different with each type of leukemia.
Ref : https://www.lls.org/leukemia
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RISK FACTORS
Some factors increase the risk of developing leukemia.
The following are either known or suspected factors:
- artificial ionizing radiation
- viruses, such as the human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV-1) and HIV
- benzene and some petrochemicals
- alkylating chemotherapy agents used in previous cancers
- hair dyes
- smoking
- Genetic predisposition: Some people appear to have a higher risk of developing leukemia because of a fault in one or several genes.
- Down syndrome: People with Down syndrome appear to have a higher risk, possibly due to certain chromosomal changes.
It has been suggested that exposure to electromagnetic energy might be linked to leukemia, but there is not enough evidence to confirm this. -
LEUKEMIA TYPES
- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
A cancer of the bone marrow and blood Progresses rapidly without treatment Does not have a clear cause Click here to access ALL statistics.
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia
A cancer of the bone marrow and the blood Progresses rapidly without treatment Affects mostly cells that aren't fully developed- these cells can't carry out their normal functions Can be a difficult disease to treat. Researchers are studying new approaches to AML therapy in clinical trials.
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
A type of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow Can progress either slowly or quickly depending on the form it takes Click here to access CLL statistics. What You Should Know CLL is the most common type of leukemia in adults. Hematologists and oncologists are specialists who treat people who have CLL or other types of blood cancer.
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
A cancer of the bone marrow and blood CML is usually diagnosed in its chronic phase when treatment is very effective for most patients CML has three phases Click here to access CML statistics.
- Hairy Cell Leukemia
A type of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow Is a rare type of chronic leukemia Hairy cell leukemia gets its name from the short, thin projections that look like hair on its cells.
- Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia
An uncommon blood cancer that has features of two other types of blood cancers. For this reason, the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies CMML as a mixed myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative disease.
- Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia
An uncommon blood cancer that can progress rapidly without treatment. Has features of two other types of blood cancers. For this reason, the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies JMML as a mixed myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative disease. Is most commonly diagnosed in infants and children younger than 6 years old.
- Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia
A type of chronic leukemia affecting white blood cells called "lymphocytes." Lymphocytes are part of the body's immune system and help fight certain infections. LGL leukemia is characterized by enlarged lymphocytes, containing noticeable granules, which can be seen when the blood is examined under the microscope.
Ref : https://www.lls.org/leukemia -
EARLY SIGNS
Leukemia can lead to a lack of functional white blood cells, which disrupts the functioning of the immune system or causes an accumulation of supernumerary white blood cells.
In acute leukaemias, most supernumerary white blood cells are immature, while in chronic leukemias these cells are mature but do not function normally. In both cases, however, the production of platelets (cells that cause the blood to clot) becomes insufficient, which causes excessive bleeding. Even minor shocks or injuries can cause severe bruising or bleeding, and small red spots may appear under the skin.
As the immune system is in poor condition, infections are more common. Lymph nodes and spleen can increase in volume, causing pain in the left side of the abdomen.
If abnormal cells accumulate in the brain and spinal cord (for example, with AML), vomiting and headaches result. Sometimes, abnormal cells accumulate in the skin, causing small bumps (chloromas) or rashes. The shortage of red blood cells makes the complexion pale and leads to fatigue and a state of breathlessness.
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DIAGNOSIS
A sample of blood and bone marrow is taken to determine the type and number of blood cells. High levels of immature white blood cells (and low counts of red blood cells and platelets) indicate leukemia. Some tests such as cytogenetic analysis and flow cytometry can identify abnormal cells. It is important to know the type of leukemia so that the doctor can decide on the treatment to follow.
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