What is Leukemia? The word Leukemia is derived from the Greek words leukos (white) and aima (blood). In simple terms, it is a cancer of the blood or bone marrow. It affects the forming of blood cells, one of the most important cells groups of the human body. Leukemia is a malignant cancer that first affects the organs that produce blood and blood cells, like the lymph and the bone marrow. These organs loose control over the number and quality of white blood cells (also known as leukocytes) that they produce, so the blood gets saturated with with abnormal white blood cells that can’t fulfill their initial role of protecting the body against viruses and bacteria.
Leukemia is cancer that starts in the blood-forming tissue of the body, like the bone marrow. This year, it is estimated that there will be another 44,270 cases of leukemia diagnosed and about 21,700 deaths caused by it. That’s too many. One is too many, but these figures are way, way down from what they were only a few years ago. There was a time when a diagnosis of leukemia was a certain death sentence; but that is no longer the case, and the numbers are improving every year.
Potential Causes Of Leukemia
Genetics: Leukemia is a hereditary ailment which tends to occur in some families.
Chemicals: Carcinogens are chemicals present in food which can trigger the cancer cells.
Viruses: Leukemia is believed to have been caused by some viral infections.
Symptoms Of Leukemia
- Blood in urine
- Fatigue
- Stomach fullness
- Frequent viral or bacterial infections
- Headaches
- Unexplained loss of weight
- Bleeding from nose and gums
- Bone pain with unknown causes
- Skin rash
- Fever, night sweats, chills and other flu-like
- Easy bruising
Four Types Of Leukemia
- Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
2. Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia
3. Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
4. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Some Treatments For Leukemia
- Biological therapy
- Radiation therapy
- Innovative treatments
- Chemotherapy
- Surgery