LEUKEMIA, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.

Summary

Leukemia is a cancer originating in bone marrow, leading to abnormal white blood cells. These cells, crucial for the immune system, fight infections but in leukemia, grow and divide uncontrollably. Classified as acute or chronic and lymphocytic or myelogenous, treatment varies based on type and progression. Symptoms include fever, easy bleeding, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. Diagnosis involves physical exams, blood tests, bone marrow tests, and biopsies. Treatments may include radiation, chemotherapy, stem cell transplants, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.

Takeaways

• 🩺 Leukemia is a type of cancer that originates in the bone marrow and leads to an overproduction of abnormal white blood cells.
• 🔬 White blood cells are crucial for the immune system, fighting off infections and foreign substances.
• 🌱 In leukemia, bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells that do not function properly and divide too quickly.
• 📈 Leukemia is categorized as acute or chronic, and as lymphocytic or myelogenous, based on the rate of progression and cell type involved.
• 🚑 Acute leukemia features immature cells that increase rapidly, necessitating immediate treatment, and is common in children.
• 👵 Chronic leukemia involves mature but abnormal white blood cells that accumulate slowly, typically affecting older adults.
• 🧬 Specific types of leukemia include acute lymphocytic (ALL), acute myelogenous (AML), chronic lymphocytic (CLL), and chronic myelogenous (CML).
• 🧬 The most common leukemia in children is ALL, while in adults, AML and CLL are most frequently diagnosed.
• 🔍 Leukemia can spread to other body parts and occurs when blood cells acquire DNA mutations, leading to rapid growth and accumulation.
• 🚭 Risk factors for leukemia include smoking, family history, exposure to chemicals like benzene, genetic disorders, and previous cancer treatments.
• 🩴 Symptoms of leukemia include fever, easy bleeding, night sweats, fatigue, bone pain, skin redness, bruising, weight loss, infections, and swollen lymph nodes.
• 🏥 Diagnosis involves physical exams, blood tests, bone marrow tests, and biopsies to identify leukemia cells and assess cancer spread.
• 💊 Treatment options depend on the type of leukemia, patient age, health status, and cancer spread, and may include radiation, chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.

Q & A

What is leukemia?

Leukemia is a type of cancer that arises in the bone marrow and results in a high number of abnormal white blood cells. It is also referred to as the cancer of the white blood cells.

What is the role of white blood cells in the immune system?

White blood cells are a vital part of the immune system and are potent infection fighters, protecting the body from invasion by bacteria, viruses, fungi, foreign substances, and abnormal cells.

How does leukemia affect the production of white blood cells?

In leukemia, abnormal white blood cells are produced from the bone marrow that do not function like normal white blood cells. They divide too quickly, eventually crowding out normal cells.

What are the two main classifications of leukemia based on progression speed?

Leukemia is classified into acute and chronic based on how fast it progresses.

What is the difference between acute and chronic leukemia?

In acute leukemia, abnormal cells are immature and increase rapidly, making the bone marrow unable to produce healthy cells. In chronic leukemia, abnormal cells are mature but build up more slowly over months or years.

What are the two types of cells involved in leukemia?

Leukemia can involve lymphocytic or myelogenous cells. Lymphocytic leukemia affects the lymphoid cells, while myelogenous leukemia affects the myeloid cells that form red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

What are the most common types of leukemia in children and adults?

The most common type of leukemia in children is acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In adults, about 90% of cases are diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) or chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

How does leukemia spread to other parts of the body?

Leukemia can spread to other parts of the body such as the lungs, heart, and kidneys, causing the abnormal cells to accumulate and stop healthy blood cells from functioning normally.

What causes leukemia?

Leukemia happens when some blood cells acquire mutations in their DNA, causing them to grow and divide quickly and continue living when normal cells would die. These abnormal cells accumulate and crowd out normal cells.

What are some risk factors for developing leukemia?

Risk factors for leukemia include smoking, a family history of leukemia, exposure to certain chemicals like benzene, genetic disorders such as Down syndrome, and previous cancer treatment with chemotherapy or radiation.

What are the common symptoms of leukemia?

Symptoms of leukemia include fever or chills, easy bleeding or nosebleeds, night sweats, fatigue and weakness that doesn't go away, bone pain and tenderness, red spots on the skin, bruising easily, unintended weight loss, frequent or severe infections, and swollen lymph nodes, especially on the neck and armpits, enlarged liver or spleen.

What are the common tests used to diagnose leukemia?

Tests to diagnose leukemia include a physical exam, blood tests to look for abnormal levels of blood cells, bone marrow tests to identify leukemia cells, and biopsies of other organs to show if cancer has spread.

What are the treatment options for leukemia?

Treatment options for leukemia include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.

Outlines

00:00

🩺 Understanding Leukemia

Leukemia is a type of cancer originating in the bone marrow, leading to an abnormal increase in white blood cells. These cells, crucial for the immune system, are usually produced in the bone marrow and protect the body from infections and abnormal cells. In leukemia, the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells that divide rapidly, hindering the production of healthy cells. Leukemia is classified into acute or chronic based on progression speed and into lymphocytic or myelogenous based on the type of cells involved. Acute leukemia features immature cells that increase rapidly, necessitating immediate treatment, and is common in children. Chronic leukemia involves mature but abnormal cells that progress slowly and are more common in older individuals. Specific types include acute lymphocytic leukemia (common in children) and acute myelogenous leukemia (common in adults). Risk factors include smoking, family history, chemical exposure, genetic disorders, and previous cancer treatments. Symptoms include fever, bleeding, fatigue, bone pain, and swollen lymph nodes. Diagnosis involves physical exams, blood tests, bone marrow tests, and biopsies. Treatment options include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, and targeted or immunotherapies.

05:01

📢 Closing Remarks

The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to like, share, and subscribe to the channel for updates on the latest videos. It emphasizes the importance of staying informed on topics discussed, such as leukemia, through the educational content provided.

Keywords

💡Leukemia

Leukemia is a type of cancer that originates in the bone marrow and leads to an overproduction of abnormal white blood cells. It is central to the video's theme as it is the main subject being discussed. The script mentions that leukemia can be referred to as the cancer of the white blood cells, highlighting its impact on the immune system.

💡White Blood Cells

White blood cells are a crucial component of the immune system, primarily produced in the bone marrow. In the context of the video, they are highlighted for their role in fighting infections and their abnormal behavior in leukemia, where they do not function as they should.

💡Bone Marrow

Bone marrow is the soft tissue found in the cavities of bones, responsible for producing blood cells. The video explains that in leukemia, the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells, emphasizing the marrow's role in the disease's development.

💡Acute Leukemia

Acute leukemia is a rapidly progressing form of leukemia where immature abnormal cells increase quickly. The video mentions that this type requires immediate and aggressive treatment due to its fast progression, making it a critical aspect of the discussion on treatment approaches.

💡Chronic Leukemia

Chronic leukemia is a slower progressing form of the disease where mature, but abnormal, white blood cells accumulate over time. The script contrasts this with acute leukemia to illustrate the varying speeds of disease progression and the different treatment approaches that may be necessary.

💡Lymphocytic Leukemia

Lymphocytic leukemia affects the lymphoid cells, which are part of the immune system. The video uses this term to differentiate between the types of cells that can be affected by leukemia, showing the diversity within the disease.

💡Myelogenous Leukemia

Myelogenous leukemia impacts the myeloid cells, which are responsible for forming red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The script discusses this type to show how leukemia can affect different blood cell lineages.

💡Mutations

Mutations refer to changes in the DNA of blood cells, which can lead to uncontrolled growth and division. The video explains that leukemia occurs when blood cells acquire these mutations, causing them to behave abnormally and accumulate.

💡Risk Factors

Risk factors are conditions or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing a disease. The script lists smoking, family history, exposure to chemicals, and previous cancer treatment as risk factors for leukemia, helping viewers understand what might predispose them to the condition.

💡Symptoms

Symptoms are signs that indicate the presence of a disease. The video lists fever, easy bleeding, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes as symptoms of leukemia, which are important for viewers to recognize and seek medical attention if experienced.

💡Treatment Options

Treatment options are the various medical interventions available for a disease. The video outlines radiation therapy, chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy as potential treatments for leukemia, showing the range of approaches to managing the condition.

Highlights

Leukemia is a type of cancer that arises in the bone marrow and results in a high number of abnormal white blood cells.

White blood cells are vital for the immune system, protecting the body from infections and abnormal cells.

In leukemia, abnormal white blood cells are produced that don't function like normal ones and divide too quickly.

Leukemia is classified into acute or chronic based on how fast it progresses, and lymphocytic or myelogenous based on the type of cells involved.

Acute leukemia involves immature abnormal cells that increase rapidly, requiring immediate treatment.

Chronic leukemia involves mature but abnormal white blood cells that build up more slowly over months or years.

Lymphocytic leukemia affects the lymphoid cells, while myelogenous leukemia affects the myeloid cells.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common type in children.

In adults, acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are the most common types.

Leukemia can spread to other parts of the body such as the lungs, heart, and kidneys.

Leukemia occurs when blood cells acquire mutations in their DNA, leading to rapid growth and division.

Risk factors for leukemia include smoking, family history, exposure to chemicals, genetic disorders, and previous cancer treatment.

Symptoms of leukemia include fever, easy bleeding, night sweats, fatigue, bone pain, and frequent infections.

Diagnosis of leukemia involves physical exams, blood tests, bone marrow tests, and biopsies of other organs.

Treatment options for leukemia include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy.

Treatment decisions are based on the type of leukemia, age, general health, and whether cancer has spread.

Targeted therapies focus on specific vulnerabilities in cancer cells.

Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognize and attack leukemia cells.

Encouragement to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated on the latest videos.

Transcripts

today's topic is leukemia leukemia is a

type of cancer that arises in the bone

marrow and results in a high number of

abnormal white blood cells leukemia can

also be referred to as the cancer of the

white blood cells the white blood cells

are a vital part of the immune system

and are mostly produced in the bone

marrow although some types are produced

in the lymph nodes spleen and thymus

gland the white blood cells are potent

infection fighters protecting the body

from invasion by bacteria viruses fungi

foreign substances as well as abnormal

cells the white blood cell normally

grows and divided in an orderly manner

as needed by the body but in leukemia

abnormal white blood cells are produced

from the bone marrow which doesn't

function like normal white blood cells

the abnormal white blood cells also

divide too quickly

eventually crowding out normal cells

leukemia is classified into a variety of

large groups based on how fast it

progresses acute or chronic and the type

of cells involved lymphocytic or

myelogenous in acute leukemia the

abnormal cells are immature and they

increase rapidly making the bone marrow

unable to produce healthy cells the

disease worsens quickly and therefore

immediate and aggressive treatment is

required these types are the most common

form in children in chronic leukemia the

abnormal cells are mature but they are

abnormal white blood cells these blood

cells build up more slowly and take

months or years to progress these types

mostly occur in older people but can

also occur in any age group lymphocytic

leukemia affects the lymphoid cells that

form the lymphatic tissue that makes up

the immune system myelogenous leukemia

affects the myeloid cells these cells

form the red blood cell white blood

cells and the platelets

the specific type of leukemia are acute

lymphocytic acute myelogenous chronic

lymphocytic and chronic myelogenous

leukemia the most common type in

children is the acute lymphoblastic

leukemia or

AOL in adults about 90% of cases of

leukemia are diagnosed with the most

common being the acute myelogenous

leukemia or AML and the chronic

lymphocytic leukemia or CLL other rare

types exist such as hairy cell leukemia

and others leukemia can spread to other

parts of the body such as the lungs

heart kidneys causes leukemia happens

when some blood cells acquire mutations

in their DNA this causes the blood cells

to grow and divide quickly and to

continue living when normal cells would

die these abnormal cells continue to

accumulate and stop the healthy blood

cells from growing and functioning

normally

eventually crowding out the normal cells

in the blood certain risk factors that

may increase your risk of getting the

condition includes smoking a family

history of leukemia exposure to certain

chemicals such as benzene genetic

disorders such as Down syndrome previous

cancer treatment with chemotherapy or

radiation symptoms fever or chills easy

bleeding or nosebleeds

night sweats fatigue and weakness that

doesn't go away bone pain and tenderness

red spots on the skin bruising easily

unintended weight loss frequent or

severe infections swollen lymph nodes

especially on the neck and armpits

enlarged liver or spleen diagnosis and

treatment the following tests may be

performed a physical exam where the

doctor will look for physical signs such

as enlargement of the liver or spleen

and swollen lymph nodes blood tests to

look for abnormal levels of red or white

blood cells or platelets this may

indicate leukemia bone marrow test where

a sample of the bone marrow is removed

and sent to the laboratory to test for

leukemia cells this sample can identify

the type of leukemia and its growth rate

biopsy of other organs such as the liver

and the spleen can show if cancer has

spread

treatment the type of leukemia age your

general health and whether cancer has

spread to other parts of the body will

determine the treatment option treatment

options include radiation therapy that

uses powerful energy beams such as

x-rays to kill the cancer cell

chemotherapy that involves using

medication injected intravenously or

taken orally to kill the cancer cell

stem cell transplantation where the

diseased bone marrow is replaced with

healthy ones either from a donor as an

allow legis transplantation or you may

be able to use your own as an autologous

transplantation targeted therapies that

use medication to target specific

pathways or vulnerabilities present in

the cancer cell may be effective

immunotherapy that uses treatments that

help the auto immune system recognize an

attack from Kimia cells

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