What is Leukemia?

Summary

Leukemia is a cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, where blood cells are made. It causes the production of abnormal white blood cells that weaken the immune system. There are two main types: lymphocytic and myeloid leukemia, which can either develop quickly (acute) or over time (chronic). Symptoms include fatigue, easy bruising, frequent infections, and weight loss. While the exact cause is unknown, certain factors like radiation, chemicals, and older age can increase risk. Early detection and treatment are key to managing the disease, with guidance from doctors and cancer care teams.

Takeaways

• 🩸 Blood is made up of plasma and three main types of cells: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
• 🧬 All blood cells are produced in the bone marrow from stem cells, which are the parent cells.
• ⚕️ Red blood cells carry oxygen, white blood cells fight infections, and platelets help blood clot.
• 🔬 Leukemia is a cancer of the white blood cells where the bone marrow produces too many abnormal cells.
• 🛡️ Abnormal white blood cells in leukemia weaken the immune system and may reduce red blood cells and platelets.
• 🧪 Leukemia is classified by the type of white blood cell affected and its progression: lymphocytic or myeloid, acute or chronic.
• 😷 Symptoms of leukemia can include fatigue, weakness, easy bruising or bleeding, fever, weight loss, and frequent infections.
• 📊 Staging determines the extent of cancer growth and spread, with earlier stages indicating less progression.
• ⚠️ Risk factors for leukemia include radiation exposure, genetic abnormalities, certain viral infections, chemical exposure, chemotherapy, smoking, and older age.
• 👩‍⚕️ Patients are encouraged to maintain ongoing communication with their doctor and cancer care team for support and guidance.

Q & A

What is leukemia?

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood, originating from certain white blood cells. It occurs when the stem cells in the bone marrow produce an excess of abnormal white blood cells that do not function properly, weakening the immune system.

What are the different types of blood cells and their functions?

The blood contains three main types of cells: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Red blood cells carry oxygen to tissues, platelets help with blood clotting, and white blood cells fight infections and harmful invaders.

Where are blood cells made in the body?

Blood cells are produced in the spongy center of bones, called the bone marrow, from stem cells that act as parent cells.

What causes leukemia?

The exact cause of leukemia is unknown, but certain factors can increase the risk, such as exposure to high-dose radiation, certain abnormal genes, infection with viruses like Epstein-Barr, long-term exposure to chemicals such as benzene, smoking, chemotherapy drugs, and older age.

What are the main types of leukemia?

The main types of leukemia are lymphocytic leukemia, which affects lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell), and myeloid leukemia, which affects myeloid cells (another type of white blood cell). Both types can be either acute (developing quickly) or chronic (developing over time).

What are the two subtypes of leukemia based on the cells affected?

Lymphocytic leukemia affects lymphocytes, while myeloid leukemia affects myeloid cells. Each type leads to the production of abnormal cells, either lymphocytes or myeloblasts/granulocytes.

What are common symptoms of leukemia?

Common symptoms of leukemia may include feeling tired or weak, bruising or bleeding easily, fever, weight loss, and frequent infections. In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all.

How is leukemia diagnosed?

Leukemia is diagnosed through tests that check for cancer tumors and whether the cancer has spread. Doctors also perform staging, which helps determine the size and progression of the cancer.

What is the significance of staging in leukemia?

Staging is the process of determining the extent of cancer growth and spread in the body. An earlier stage typically means less growth and spread, while a higher stage indicates more extensive cancer.

Can leukemia be prevented?

Leukemia cannot be fully prevented, but certain risk factors can be avoided, such as exposure to harmful chemicals, radiation, and smoking. Early detection and ongoing care are essential for managing the disease.