Leukemia is cancer that affects children and adults. It occurs when there is an increased production of abnormal white blood cells, making it near impossible for the body to fight off infection and preventing bone marrow from creating red blood cells and platelets.
Different types of leukemia are acute or chronic, progressing slower than acute leukemia. There are also the lymphocytic and myelogenous types. With the lymphocytic type, abnormal cell growth in a person's bone marrow plays a significant role in immune health. Myelogenous is the abnormal growth of cells in the bone marrow that will grow into red and white blood cells and platelets.
Four primary subtypes of leukemia show up the most when people are diagnosed.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, or ALL, is most common in younger children between three and five and is found in the bone marrow. It spreads quickly, but with treatment, there is a high chance of being cured.
The cause of ALL is unknown, but researchers believe it happens because of a genetic mutation affecting blood cell production. The exact change is not known. There are also times when there are barely any symptoms and some mistake symptoms for a more prolonged bout of the flu. Other symptoms may arise, including fever, frequent infections, easy bruising, paler skin, and weakness or fatigue. There may also be what is known as petechiae, which are tiny leukemia red spots underneath the skin.
To diagnose if someone has ALL, a doctor will run various blood tests, the bone marrow will be biopsied along with a spinal tap, and genetic testing will also be done. Treatment will vary from patient to patient, but their options would be chemotherapy and radiation as the most frequently used options. There is also targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and bone marrow transplants.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Acute Myeloid Leukemia, or AML, is cancer that starts in the blood and bone marrow and moves rapidly, and without immediate treatment can become difficult to manage. It tends to affect men and older adults around the age of sixty-eight.
Just as with ALL, it is unclear what causes this type of leukemia. Studies have shown that there is a possibility it is caused by mutations of specific genes that control the growth of bone marrow cells. There is a chance these mutations are passed down within families. Some other factors may be if a person has a blood disorder like aplastic anemia or has already been exposed to chemotherapy drugs. Exposure to hazardous chemicals and smoking may also raise the risk of someone being diagnosed with AML.
The symptoms of AML are challenging to differentiate from other illnesses since the main symptoms are fever and fatigue. There may also be bruising, excess bleeding, weight loss, and more frequent infections. To diagnose, a doctor will perform blood tests, bone marrow biopsy or aspiration, spinal tap, and genetic testing to determine if a person has AML.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or CLL, affects the blood and bone marrow and is most common among adults.
Scientists have determined that CLL is caused by mutations in a person's genes in charge of bone marrow cell growth. If someone has CLL, they may experience enlarged lymph nodes, fatigue, night sweats, pain from an enlarged spleen, weight loss, and fevers. A doctor would run the same tests as ALL and AML to diagnose, blood tests, bone marrow biopsy, and genetic testing. They may also do a biopsy on a person's lymph nodes.
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, or CML, is the rarest of the four types and grows slowly in the bone marrow and can cause anemia and excessive bleeding in a person. However, CML is also the most treatable.
Researchers have determined the cause is a rare genetic mutation called the Philadelphia chromosome that leads to abnormal white blood cells to be developed and cause cancer growth. It is most common in older men. The symptoms are similar to the other types of leukemia, and diagnosing includes the usual blood tests and biopsy of the bone marrow. There is also an emphasis on genetic testing. Treatment for CML includes targeted therapy, bone marrow transplant, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. If those do not help, they may also try some clinical trials.
Leukemia can be overwhelming and daunting, no matter what type it is. Make sure to seek medical attention if any symptoms arise.
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