Leukemia is a cancer of the blood or bone marrow in which there is an abnormal increase of white blood cells. There are two types of leukemia: chronic, which usually worsens slowly; and acute, which tends to worsen quickly. No one knows the exact causes of leukemia but the following risk factors can lead to it: Smoking; Radiation; Atomic bomb explosions; Radiation therapy; Chemotherapy; Benzene; and Down syndrome and certain other inherited diseases.
Some symptoms of leukemia are swollen lymph nodes, especially lymph nodes in the neck or armpit; fevers or night sweats; weakness or tiredness; frequent infections; swelling or discomfort in the abdomen; easy bruising or bleeding; weight loss; and painful joints or bones. It is advisable to keep in mind that some or all of these problems may be due to other causes. Only a doctor can tell for sure.
Most often, these symptoms are not due to cancer. An infection or other health problems may also cause these symptoms. Only a doctor can tell for sure. There are various treatment options for leukemia and they depend on the type of leukemia (acute or chronic); one’s age; certain features of the leukemia cells; and whether the cells were found in the cerebrospinal fluid. Sometimes it is necessary to use a combination of treatments.
Acute leukemia needs to be treated immediately. The purpose of this treatment is to wipe out all signs of leukemia in the body and force the symptoms to disappear. This treatment is known as ‘remission’ and may be followed by therapy to prevent a relapse. Many individuals with acute leukemia can be cured.
Treatment for chronic leukemia can control the disease and its symptoms. However, chronic leukemia can rarely be cured with chemotherapy but it can be held in remission. Whenever possible it is better to be treated at a medical center where there are experienced doctors can treat the disease.
Because cancer treatments quite often damage healthy tissues and cells, side effects are a common occurrence. So before treatment starts consult your doctor on the possible side effects and the result the treatment may have on your normal activities.
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Tags: Bleeding, Blood cancer, Down syndrome, Laymen, Leukemia, Radiation, Smoking, Weight Loss, White blood cells
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