Leukemia is a cancer that affects the body’s blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. This complex disease, often referred to as blood cancer, is characterized by the uncontrolled production of abnormal white blood cells.
There are various types of leukemia, with some being more prevalent in children and others predominantly affecting adults. Regardless of the type, leukemia disrupts the normal function of white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting infection. In healthy individuals, white blood cells grow and divide in a regulated manner as the body requires them. However, in people with leukemia, the bone marrow generates an excessive amount of malfunctioning white blood cells.
Leukemia treatment is often intricate and depends on several factors, including the specific type of leukemia and the patient’s overall health. Despite its complexities, effective treatment strategies and support resources are available to help patients navigate their journey.
Leukemia Symptoms: What to Look For
Leukemia symptoms can differ depending on the specific type of leukemia. However, some common signs and symptoms to be aware of include:
- Fever and chills
- Persistent fatigue and unexplained weakness
- Frequent or severe infections
- Unintentional weight loss
- Swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver, or enlarged spleen
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Recurring nosebleeds
- Petechiae, which are tiny red spots under the skin
- Excessive sweating, particularly at night
- Bone pain or tenderness
When to Seek Medical Advice
It’s important to consult a doctor if you experience any persistent signs or symptoms that cause you concern. Leukemia symptoms can often be vague and non-specific, easily mistaken for the flu or other common illnesses. Due to their general nature, early leukemia symptoms might be overlooked. In some instances, leukemia is incidentally detected during blood tests conducted for unrelated health issues.
Understanding Leukemia Causes and Formation
While scientists are still unraveling the precise causes of leukemia, it’s understood to arise from a combination of genetic predispositions and environmental influences.
How Leukemia Develops
Leukemia development is generally believed to occur when certain blood cells undergo genetic changes, or mutations, in their DNA. DNA holds the instructions that govern a cell’s functions, including growth and lifespan. Typically, DNA dictates a controlled rate of cell growth and programmed cell death. In leukemia, however, these mutations instruct blood cells to proliferate and divide continuously.
This leads to an uncontrolled production of blood cells. Over time, these abnormal cells can overwhelm and displace healthy blood cells in the bone marrow. This crowding effect results in a deficiency of healthy white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, ultimately causing the noticeable signs and symptoms of leukemia.
Leukemia Classification: Acute vs. Chronic and Cell Type
Doctors classify leukemia based on two primary factors: the rate of disease progression and the type of cells involved.
Progression Speed:
- Acute Leukemia: In acute leukemia, the abnormal blood cells are immature, known as blasts. These blasts are unable to perform their normal functions and multiply rapidly, causing the disease to worsen quickly. Acute leukemia necessitates prompt and aggressive treatment.
- Chronic Leukemia: Chronic leukemias encompass various subtypes. Some types lead to an overproduction of cells, while others result in insufficient cell production. Chronic leukemia involves more mature blood cells. These cells replicate or accumulate at a slower pace and may retain normal functionality for a period. Certain forms of chronic leukemia may not present early symptoms and can remain undetected for years.
Affected White Blood Cell Type:
- Lymphocytic Leukemia: This type of leukemia affects lymphoid cells (lymphocytes). Lymphocytes are crucial components of the lymphatic tissue, which constitutes the immune system.
- Myelogenous Leukemia: Myelogenous leukemia impacts myeloid cells. Myeloid cells are precursors to red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelet-producing cells.
Major Types of Leukemia Explained
The main types of leukemia are categorized as follows:
- Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL): ALL is the most frequently diagnosed leukemia in young children. It can also occur in adults.
- Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML): AML is a prevalent form of leukemia affecting both children and adults. It is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults.
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): CLL is the most common chronic leukemia in adults. Individuals with CLL may remain asymptomatic and feel well for years, sometimes not requiring immediate treatment.
- Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML): This type of leukemia primarily affects adults. Patients with CML might experience minimal to no symptoms for months or years before the leukemia cells start growing more rapidly.
- Other Types: Beyond these major types, there are rarer forms of leukemia, including hairy cell leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myeloproliferative disorders.
Leukemia Risk Factors: Who is at Risk?
Several factors can elevate the risk of developing certain types of leukemia:
- Prior Cancer Treatment: Individuals who have undergone specific types of chemotherapy and radiation therapy for previous cancers have an increased risk of developing particular types of leukemia.
- Genetic Disorders: Genetic abnormalities appear to play a role in leukemia development. Certain genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome, are linked to a higher leukemia risk.
- Exposure to Certain Chemicals: Exposure to chemicals like benzene, found in gasoline and used in the chemical industry, is associated with an increased risk of some leukemia types.
- Smoking: Cigarette smoking increases the risk of acute myelogenous leukemia.
- Family History of Leukemia: A family history of leukemia may increase an individual’s risk of developing the disease.
Image: Overview of the lymphatic system, a key part of the immune system affected by leukemia.
It’s important to note that most people with known risk factors do not develop leukemia. Conversely, many individuals diagnosed with leukemia have no identifiable risk factors.
In Conclusion
Leukemia is a serious blood cancer with diverse forms, symptoms, and risk factors. Understanding what leukemia is, recognizing potential symptoms, and being aware of risk factors are crucial steps in early detection and seeking appropriate medical care. While the exact causes are still under investigation, advancements in research and treatment offer hope and improved outcomes for individuals affected by leukemia.
References
- Kliegman RM, et al. The leukemias. In: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Elsevier; 2020.
- Niederhuber JE, et al., eds. Abeloff’s Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Elsevier; 2020.
- Leukemia. American Society of Hematology. https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/blood-cancers/leukemia. Accessed Oct. 16, 2020.
- Warner KJ. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. July 9, 2020.
- Pruthi RK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Dec. 2, 2020.
