Leukemia – A Cancer Of Blood-Forming Cells In The Bone Marrow

Introduction

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood or bone marrow and is characterized by an abnormal growth of blood cells, usually white blood cells (leukocytes)and is divided into its acute and chronic types. It can affect the digestive tract, kidneys, lungs, or other parts of the body and can also collect in the testicles producing swelling. Leukemia is one of the most common forms of cancers in children, But it isn’t just a child’s disease, as many assume. It is routinely diagnosed in about 29,000 adults and 2000 children per year in the United States and has 4 main types and many sub-types of which only some of them are common to children. Leukemia that has migrated to the brain may produce central nervous system effects, such as headaches, seizures, weakness, blurred vision, balance problems, or vomiting and the disease, or the chemotherapy used to treat it, can produce anemia.

Acute Leukemia

Acute leukemia is characterized by a speedy increase of under developed blood cells, and can potentially be cured; However only a few patients are cured with todays therapy. It starts with one or a few white blood cells that have a lost or damaged DNA sequence and gets worse very quickly and can make you feel sick right away. It tends to develop suddenly, whereas some chronic varieties may exist for years before they are even diagnosed. Immediate treatment is needed due to the speedy progression and accumulation of the malignant cells, which then spill over into the bloodstream and migrate to other organs of the body. Whereas acute leukemia must be treated immediately, chronic forms are sometimes monitored for some time before treating to ensure maximum effectiveness of therapy.

Chronic Leukemia

Chronic leukemia is distinguished by the excessive build up of relatively mature, but still abnormal, blood cells and often goes undiagnosed for many years until it is found in a routine blood test. It is more common between ages 40 and 70 and is rare among young people. It tends to gets worse slowly and may not cause symptoms for years. As with many other cancers, it is a disease that comes with old age. Doctors often find chronic leukemia during a routine checkup, before there are any noticeable symptoms. In adults, the acute types happen in those of all ages, whereas the chronic varieties tend to occur in people older than 40 years of age. Although slow-growing chronic leukemia can also be found in children, it is very rare, accounting for fewer than fifty cases in children each year in the US.

Treatment

Treatment of leukemia is complex and it depends on your age and health, the type and how far it has spread. Treatment is generally considered necessary when the patient shows signs and symptoms such as low blood cell counts. Generally, ALL treatment is separated into several phases. In children, an intensive 6-month treatment program is needed after induction, followed by 2 years of maintenance chemotherapy. For children with minimum-risk, standard treatment usually consists of 3 drugs (prednisone, L-asparaginase, and vincristine) for the 1st month of treatment. High-risk patients receive higher drug doses plus treatment with extra chemotherapeutic agents. Follow-up therapy for ALL patients usually consists of: supportive care, such as intravenous nutrition and treatment with oral antibiotics. Generally, the signs for treatment are: falling hemoglobin or platelet count, progressing to a later stage of disease, painful, disease-related overgrowth of lymph nodes or spleen, lymphocyte doubling time (an indicator of lymphocyte reproduction) of less than twelve months. Overall, the strategy is to control bone marrow and systemic (whole-body) disease while offering specific treatment for the central nervous system (CNS), if necessary. Consolidation or “maintenance” treatments may be given to prevent disease recurrence once remission has been achieved. Regardless of the plan, it is very necessary for the patient to understand the treatment that is being given and the reasons behind the choice.

Conclusion

Leukemia is a cancer of blood-forming cells in the bone marrow. These cells crowd out other types of blood cells produced by the bone marrow, including red blood cells, which carry oxygen to tissues throughout your body, and platelets, which help form blood clots. Leukemia cells can spread to the lymph nodes or other organs causing swelling and/or pain and can also collect in the kidney, liver and spleen, causing enlargement of these organs. They also can affect the lungs and other regions of the body. Acute forms can happen in both children and young adults. Chronic forms mostly occurs in older people, but can theoretically occur in any age category. There is no single known cause for all of the different types of leukemia. Studies have linked exposure to petrochemicals, such as benzene, and hair dyes to the development of some kinds. Viruses have been linked to other forms. Until the cause or causes are found, there is no known way to prevent the occurrence of the disease. As of 1998, it is estimated that each yr., approximately 30,800 persons will be diagnosed with the disease in North America and 21,700 people will die because of the disease.

Ricardo Henri is the owner of Natural Remedies,Treatments And Cures,a site concerninga wealth of information about taking care of your health without relying on medications and needless surgery. Subscribe to his monthly newsletter @ Natural Remedies Treatments Cures

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