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| Leukemia or blood cancer is a cancer of the white blood cells (WBC). A large number of white blood cells are produced in the stem cells of the bone marrow. These immature cells are incapable of normal functions. Leukemia can be acute (rapid growing) or chronic (slowly growing). | |||
| Symptoms | |||
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Tiredness and lethargy (as a result of anemia) | ||
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Pale complexion | ||
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Frequent, prolonged or severe infections (as a result of impaired white cell function) | ||
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Frequent bruising and bleeding (as a result of platelet deficiency) | ||
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Tiny red spots (called petechiae) under the skin | ||
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Swollen or bleeding gums | ||
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Sweating, especially at night | ||
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Bone or joint pain | ||
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Loss of appetite and/or weight | ||
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Swollen or tender lymph nodes, liver, or spleen | ||
| Diagnosis | |||
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Evaluating medical history and thorough clinical examination | ||
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Routine examination of the blood, urine and stool | ||
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Biopsy - Examining cells or tissues from the suspected lesion under a microscope. | ||
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Bone marrow aspiration - Examining a sample of bone marrow under a microscope by inserting a needle into a large bone (usually the hip) and removing a small amount of liquid bone marrow. | ||
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Spinal tap (lumbar puncture) - to check for leukemia cells in the fluid that fills the spaces in and around the brain and spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid). | ||
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Chest X-rays - Examines signs of disease in the chest. | ||
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| Staging in Leukemia
Binet Staging is based on the number of lymphoid tissues that are involved (i.e., the spleen and the lymph nodes of the neck, groin, and underarms), as well as the presence of low red blood cell count (anemia) or low number of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia): Binet Stage A - patients have fewer than three areas of enlarged lymphoid tissue. Enlarged lymph nodes of the neck, underarms, and groin, as well as the spleen, are each considered "one group," whether unilateral (one-sided) or bilateral (on both sides). Binet Stage B patients have more than three areas of enlarged lymphoid tissue Binet Stage C patients have anemia plus thrombocytopenia (platelets <100 ´ 103 /µL). | |||
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| Side Effects of the Treatment | |||
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Infections, tiredness, temporary hair loss and mouth sores | ||
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Skin reactions in the treated areas (such as a rash or redness) | ||
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Loss of appetite and decrease in the number of white blood cells that help protect the body against infection. | ||
| Risk Factors: | |||
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Very high levels of radiation | ||
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Working with certain chemicals such as benzene and formaldehyde | ||
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Patients treated with chemotherapy may later develop leukemia | ||
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Downs Syndrome and other genetic diseases | ||
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Human T-cell leukemia virus-I (HTLV-I) | ||
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Myelodysplastic syndrome | ||
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Exposure to electromagnetic fields
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