Leukemia
What is Leukemia?
Leukemia is cancer that originates in the bone marrow. The disease results from an acquired (not inherited) genetic injury to the DNA of a single cell, which becomes abnormal (malignant) and multiplies continuously. The accumulation of malignant cells interferes with the body's production of healthy blood cells and makes the body unable to protect itself against infections.
Leukemia is divided into four categories: myelogenous or lymphocytic, each of which can be acute or chronic. Among an estimated 30,800 new cases of leukemia in the United States this year, about equal proportions are acute leukemia and chronic types.
Acute leukemia is a rapidly progressing disease that results in the accumulation of immature, functionless cells in the marrow and blood. The marrow often can no longer produce enough normal red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Anemia, a deficiency of red cells, develops in virtually all leukemia patients. The lack of normal white cells impairs the body's ability to fight infections. A shortage of platelets results in bruising and easy bleeding.
Chronic leukemia progresses more slowly and allows greater numbers of more mature, functional cells to be made.
Leukemia Risk Factors
- Age. Most cases occur in older adults; more than half of all cases occur after age 60. Leukemia usually strikes 10 times as many adults as children.
- However, it is important to note that Leukemia is the most common cancer among children and acute lymphocytic leukemia accounts for 80 percent of the childhood leukemia cases.
- Chemical exposures. Chronic exposure to benzene in the workplace and exposure to extraordinary doses of irradiation can be causes of the disease, although neither explains most cases.
Leukemia Diagnosis
Because symptoms often resemble those of other, less serious conditions, leukemia can be difficult to diagnose early. The diagnosis of leukemia requires examination of the cells from a blood test or bone marrow biopsy. Discuss symptoms with your doctor to asses your need for further tests.
Leukemia Treatment
Treatment approaches for blood-related cancers may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell or marrow transplantation, or immunotherapy. These treatments are often given as standard care or in a clinical trial. The patient may also seek complementary and alternative therapies.
The aim of treatment is to bring about a complete remission. Complete remission means that there is no evidence of the disease and the patient returns to good health with normal blood and marrow cells. Relapse indicates a return of the cancer cells and return of other signs and symptoms of the disease.
For acute leukemia, a complete remission (no evidence of disease in the blood or marrow) that lasts five years after treatment often indicates cure. Treatment centers report increasing numbers of patients with leukemia who are in complete remission at least five years after diagnosis of their disease.