Leukemia

Leukemia

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, leading to the abnormal production of white blood cells. The development and growth rate of these cells determine the type of leukemia. The most common age group to be affected by leukemia is between 1 year and 10 years. However, leukemia can also occur in infants and teenagers.

Treatment

Treatment for leukemia involves therapy based on standard protocols. The primary modalities of treatment include:

• Chemotherapy: The main treatment for leukemia, aimed at killing cancerous cells.
• Radiation Therapy: Sometimes used in conjunction with chemotherapy to target specific areas affected by leukemia.
• Targeted Therapy: Uses drugs that target specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth.
• Immunotherapy: Boosts the body's immune system to help fight leukemia cells.
• Stem Cell Transplantation: May be used to replace damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells.

Each treatment plan is tailored to the specific type of leukemia and the patient’s response to ensure the most effective approach.

Types of Leukemia

• Acute Leukemia: Characterized by the rapid progression of cancerous cells, which can quickly overwhelm the blood and bone marrow. Includes Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).
• Chronic Leukemia: Develops more slowly and involves the accumulation of abnormal white blood cells over time. Includes Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML).

Common Symptoms

• Fatigue and weakness
• Frequent infections
• Unexplained bleeding or bruising
• Bone pain or tenderness
• Swollen lymph nodes or abdomen

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of leukemia typically involves:

• Blood Tests: To detect abnormal levels of blood cells and other markers.
• Bone Marrow Biopsy: To examine the bone marrow for leukemia cells.
• Imaging Studies: Such as X-rays or CT scans to identify affected areas.
• Cytogenetic Analysis: To analyze the genetic changes in leukemia cells.