Leukemia

Definition: Leukemia is cancer of the white blood cells and their parent cells. The word cancer refers to diseases in which certain cells in the body become abnormal and the body produces too many of these cells. In this case, the abnormal cells are white blood cells and their precursors. Leukemia cells do not function normally and cannot do what normal blood cells do, such as fight infections.

The most common types of leukemia are:

• Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia - A cancer that begins in immature lymphocytic blood cells and progresses very quickly. This is the most common type of leukemia in young children. It also occurs in adults, especially those over age 65. Sometimes called acute lymphocytic anemia or acute lymphoid anemia.
• Acute Myelogenous Leukemia - A cancer that begins in immature granulocytic blood cells and progresses very quickly. This type occurs in both adults and children. Sometimes called acute myelocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, acute granulocytic leukemia, or acute nonlymphocytic leukemia.
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia - A cancer that begins in more mature lymphocytic blood cells and progresses gradually. This type most often occurs in adults over age 55. It sometimes occurs in younger adults, but rarely occurs in children. Sometime called chronic lymphoid leukemia.
• Chronic Myelocytic Leukemia - A cancer that begins in more mature granulocytic blood cells and progresses gradually. This occurs mainly in adults, but may affect a very small number of children. Sometimes called chronic myeloid leukemia or chronic granulocytic leukemia.

Causes: The cause of leukemia is unknown, but research shows that certain risk factors are associated with the disease.

Risk Factors: A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

Exposure to large amounts of high-energy radiation, such as: Nuclear power plant Nuclear bomb Certain genetic conditions, such as: Down syndrome Fanconi's anemia Chemical or drug exposure, such as: Benzene Nitrogen mustard Some chemotherapy drugs Sex: Male Race: White Smoking Disorders of the immune system

Symptoms: Common symptoms of leukemia include:

• Fever, chills and other flu-like symptoms 
• Weakness and fatigue 
• Frequent infections 
• Loss of appetite 
• Unexplained weight loss 
• Swollen, tender lymph nodes, liver or spleen 
• Bleeding or bruising easily - Tiny red spots under the skin; Swollen, bleeding gums 
• Sweating, especially at night 
• Bone or joint pain 
• Looking more pale than usual 
• Nosebleeds 
• Irregular menstrual periods 
• Shortness of breath, especially with physical exertion 
• Feeling of abdominal fullness

Symptoms of leukemia that is affecting the brain and spinal cord include:

• Headaches 
• Vomiting 
• Confusion 
• Loss of muscle control 
• Seizures

Less common symptoms include:

• Swollen testicles Sores in the eyes or on the skin

Note: These symptoms may also be caused by other, less serious health conditions. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should see a doctor.

Diagnosis: The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. The doctor may also check for swelling of the liver, spleen, or lymph nodes in the armpits, groin, and neck.

Tests may include:

• Blood Tests - to check for leukemia cells in the blood
• Bone Marrow Aspiration - removal of a sample of liquid bone marrow to test for cancer cells
• Bone Marrow Biopsy - removal of liquid bone marrow and a small piece of bone to test for cancer cells
• Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap) - removal of a small amount of fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord to test for cancer cells
• Chest X-rays - x-rays of the chest that may detect signs of cancer in the chest
• Abdominal Ultrasound - a test that uses sound waves to examine organs in the abdomen, checking for an enlarged liver, spleen or kidneys
• Abdominal CT Scan - a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures organs in the abdomen, checking for an enlarged liver, spleen or kidneys

Treatment: Once leukemia is found, staging tests may be performed to find out if the cancer has spread and, if so, to what extent. You may be referred to a cancer specialist.

Treatments may include:

• Chemotherapy - the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be given in many forms including: pill, injection, or via a catheter. The drugs enter the bloodstream and travel through the body killing mostly cancer cells, but also some healthy cells.
• Radiation Therapy - the use of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation from a large machine may be directed at a specific part of the body (such as the spleen) or at the whole body.
• Antibiotics - to prevent infection while white blood cell levels are very low
• Transfusions - of red blood cells, platelets, other blood components, or whole blood
• Bone Marrow Transplant - removing your bone marrow and replacing it with healthy bone marrow from a donor, or with your own bone marrow after it has been removed from your body and treated to remove the cancer cells.
• Biological Therapy - the use of medications or substances made by the body to increase or restore the body's natural defenses against cancer. Also called biological response modifier therapy.

Prevention: There are no guidelines for preventing leukemia because the cause is unknown 

(American Cancer Society)