Leukemia -causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Posted: Jun 14, 2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 686 | Bookmark and Share

Treatment of Leukemia

Leukemia or leukaemia (Greek leukos ??????, "white"; aima ????, "blood") is a cancer of the blood or bone marrow and is characterized by an abnormal proliferation (production by multiplication) of blood cells, usually white blood cells (leukocytes). It is part of the broad group of diseases called hematological neoplasms.As leukemia progresses, the cancer interferes with the body's production of other types of blood cells, including red blood cells and platelets. This results in anemia (low numbers of red cells) and bleeding problems, in addition to the increased risk of infection caused by white cell abnormalities.

Causes of Leukemia
Acute leukemia. In acute leukemia, the abnormal blood cells are immature blood cells (blasts). They can't carry out their normal work, and they multiply rapidly, so the disease worsens quickly. Acute leukemia requires aggressive, timely treatment.

It is now known that all cancers, including leukemia, begin as a mutation in the genetic material—the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)—within certain cells. The external or internal causes of such change probably add up over a lifetime. Leukemia begins when one or more white blood cells experience DNA loss or damage. Those errors are copied and passed on to subsequent generations of cells.

There is conflicting evidence about whether electromagnetic field (EMF) is a potential risk factor for developing leukemia. Several large studies are in progress at this time to further investigate this question. EMFs are a type of energy that occurs near very high-voltage power lines.

Symptoms of Leukemia
There are two major subtypes of leukemia: (i) lymphocytic leukemia, which involves white blood cells of the lymphoid subtype, and (ii) myelogenous leukemia, which involves white blood cells of the myeloid subtype. Both lymphoid and myeloid cells are critical components of the mature immune system.Such symptoms are not sure signs of leukemia. An infection or another problem also could cause these symptoms. Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible. Only a doctor can diagnose and treat the problem.

Doctors may find chronic leukemia during a routine exam before any symptoms arise. This form of leukemia may develop over longer periods covering months or years before symptoms are apparent. When symptoms do appear, they tend to be mild and worsen gradually.

Treatment of Leukemia
Stem cell transplantation (SCT) to enable treatment with high doses of chemotherapy and radiation therapy; andSurgery to remove an enlarged spleen or to install a venous access device (large plastic tube) to give medications and withdraw blood samples.

Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses X-rays or other high-energy rays to damage leukemia cells and stop their growth. You may receive radiation in one specific area of your body where there is a collection of leukemia cells, or you may receive radiation directed at your whole body. Leukemia patients often find it helpful to take a family member or close friend along to these consultations in order to take notes and assist in remembering some of the points of the discussion. For children with leukemia, such is always the case.

(ArticlesBase SC #449125)

Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    RSS
    Print
    Email
    Re-Publish

    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/cancer-articles/leukemia-causes-symptoms-treatment-449125.html

    Article Tags:

    Treatment

    ,

    Symptoms

    ,

    Leukemia -causes

    One-Two Punch For Leukemia

    This medical video looks into the new drugs that are being used in treatments for those who suffer from leukemia. (01:33)

    The Future Of Leukemia Treatment

    This medical video explores the new technologies opening up to help treat leukemia. (01:35)

    New Leukemia Drugs

    In this medical video learn about the new drugs being used to treat Leukemia. (01:34)

    Kinder, Gentler Leukemia Transplant

    In this health video learn how blood stem cell transplants used to treat leukemia can be harsh. That's why scientists have devised a more tender way to treat the disease. (01:38)

    What is Bone Marrow - Part 1

    Learn more about bone marrow transplants , donations and leukemia. (05:53)

    Leukemia is any of the sharp or persistent neoplastic ailments of bone marrow wherein unrestrained propagation of leukocytes or white blood corpuscles occurs, generally in association with anemia that is damaged blood clotting, and magnification of the liver, lymph nodes, and spleen. Leukemia is observed in animals including as cats, cattle, guinea pigs, over and above in humans. There is no age difference in leukemia disease that is both children as well adults may suffer from this fatal disease. The central organ of infection in the body is the bone marrow and it spreads to rest of the body with the progress of the disease. Leukemia in other words is a form of cancer where the white blood cells becomes abnormal or huge abnormal cells are being produced by the bone marrow leading to various symptoms ultimately death. Thus leukemia can be considered as a fatal cancerous disease specially those chronic ones. Understanding the characteristics of the normal leukocytes is of great importance to know leukemia. The leucocytes produced in the bone marrow fight against the diseases and infections. Leukemia may be influenced by genetic as well as environmental factors. The genetic factors of Leukemia are somatic alteration in DNA which triggers oncogenes or degenerate cancer suppressor genes disrupting the regulation of cell differentiation, death, or division. These somatic mutations in DNA may happen spontaneously or due to exposure to carcinogenic substances or radiation and are probably influenced by the genetic factors. Revelation to petrochemicals including benzene, hair dyes, certain Viruses like HIV, conscientious for AIDS or human T-lymphotropic virus and adult T-cell leukemia or lymphoma as well as Fanconi anemia are some other causal factors of leukemia. Leukemia is categorized into myeloid or lymphocytic depending upon the kind of affected leukocyte. Leukemia is also categorized as acute, referring to those rapidly succeeding disease which involves immature leukocytes and chronic with a slower proliferation concerning mature white blood cells. In acute leukemia, juvenile nonfunctioning leukocytes known as blast cells propagate. The myeloid leukemia distressing the granulocytes growing myelocytes is further divisible into acute and chronic myeloid leukemia. The lymphocytic leukemia also known as T cell or B cell leukemia affecting the lymphocytes growing white blood cells including acute and chronic cases. Leukemia symptoms are usually the symptoms when the blood synthesizing bone cell in infected and the leukocyte level in the blood increase at an excessive range. The associated leukemia symptoms are also occurring unknowingly with high speed in progress. Leukemia symptoms includes infection, fever, extreme bruising, fatigue, physical exercise prejudice, abdominal soreness, or usually sensitivity of fullness, weight reduction, unusual bleeding, amplification of spleen, lymph nodes, and liver and overall weakness etc. People suffering from leukemia frequently have fewer red blood cells and platelets than normal quantity. As an effect, there are not sufficient erythrocyte cells for carrying oxygen throughout the body and the condition leads to anemia. The leukemia symptoms are depending on amount of anomalous cells and resulting to a large number of leukemia symptoms in the patient. The track of treatment for leukemia is based on the kind of the cell affected, the sequence of disease, as well as age of the enduring patient and can be confirmed by pronouncing a inconsistent count of leukocytes or white blood cells in tissues through a bone marrow biopsy test. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy by anticancer drugs, blood as well as plasma transfusions, and transplantation of bone marrow are the recent and most excellent treatments for leukemia. Latest studies have specify that blood from placenta (cord blood) and umbilical cord of a newborn baby are used effectively as an alternative to marrow transplantation for some leukemia. Biological therapies comprising interferons; monoclonal antibodies; maturation drugs, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors and all-trans retinoic acid may enhance the natural reaction of body to leukemia by strengthening the immune retort, inhibiting the gene which drives cell propagation, or may persuade maturation of undeveloped leukemic cells or reproduction of desirable healthy blood essentials.

    By: Nandeshori Devi Konthoujam l Health l Aug 07, 2006 l Views: 1,032

    The stem cells are formed by the leukemia cells in the bone marrow.These cells have uncontrolled growth and lead to decrease production of normal blood cells.From this point of view the symptoms are:anemia, increased risk of bleeding which include bleeding gums, nosebleeds, bruising, increased risk of infection, slow healing.

    By: Groshan Fabiola l Health l Mar 04, 2007 l Views: 93

    Are you aware of acute granulocytic leukemia symptoms? Being aware of acute granulocytic leukemia symptoms and taking action if they are present can and does save lives.

    By: Shane Hester l Health l Oct 06, 2008 l Views: 431

    Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a rare cancer of the blood. It affects B cells, a type of white blood cell (lymphocyte). HCL is due to increase of a clonal malignant B cell that infiltrates the reticuloendothelial cells, mainly the bone marrow, resulting in bone marrow failure.

    By: Juliet Cohen l Health > Diseases and Conditions l Sep 12, 2008 l Views: 102

    Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), too known as chronic myelogenous leukemia. Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a slow-growing cancer of the light-colored blood cells.

    By: Juliet Cohen l Health > Diseases and Conditions l Jun 06, 2008 l Views: 17

    Many patients were in the terminal stage of cancer when they went to the hospital. It is a very big delay for an effective cancer treatment. Why can we find the early diagnosis of cancers? Maybe people paid no attentions to the early non-pain symptoms of cancers.

    By: Win. Ho l Health > Cancer l Jul 24, 2008 l Views: 383 l Comments: 1

    Symptoms Bone Cancer Spine

    By: Jitesh Arora l Health > Cancer l Dec 30, 2009 l Views: 12

    Bone Cancer Treatment In India

    By: Vanessa A. Doctor l Health > Cancer l Dec 30, 2009 l Views: 7

    Pancreatic cancer is the one types of many cancers varies. This cancer attack pancreas which one of important part of bodies. The detection on this illness also problematic because the organ which is infected by this illness is located deep within the body.

    By: kellyra l Health > Cancer l Feb 09, 2010 l Views: 1
    rizabelgira

    Statistics show that women are becoming familiar with the human papilloma virus or the HPV. However, only 20% of them knew that it can lead to cervical cancer when ignored and left unattended. Cancer of the cervix is an abnormal growth of tissues in the cervix causing problems in the reproductive system. Like other types of cancer, it can spread and cause further damage to the body.

    By: rizabelgira l Health > Cancer l Feb 08, 2010 l Views: 1

    Bone Cancer Metastasis An estimated 60% to 84% of patients with cancer develop bone metastasis. Of these 70% experience pain syndrome which is difficult to manage, of which 50% die without adequate pain relief with a poor quality of life. It is therefore necessary to have accessible and effective medications for the management of this condition. One of the most common pain syndromes in patients with advanced cancer is bone metastasis.

    By: saqib khan l Health > Cancer l Feb 08, 2010 l Views: 4
    Andrew Wilkie

    Learn what you can tap on and to speed up your recovery time using EFT, when recovering from cancer.

    By: Andrew Wilkie l Health > Cancer l Feb 08, 2010 l Views: 3

    Asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma. Up to nine out of ten cases of mesothelioma are caused by exposure to asbestos.

    By: Pethum l Health > Cancer l Feb 08, 2010 l Views: 1

    You may or may not be a breast cancer survivor to read this short passage. If you are a breast cancer patient, then good news falls your way. Many breast cancer support groups do exist which offers you a helping hand for your treatments and better living.

    By: Neelima Reddy l Health > Cancer l Feb 08, 2010 l Views: 7
    Dr. Pieter J. DeWet

    More and more scientists are now of the opinion that lifestyle and environmental factors play the biggest role in cancer. Others believe that we should also look at other aspects of life including our emotional health, social health (relationships), mental health and spiritual health. Let's examine each of these factors one by one.

    By: Dr. Pieter J. DeWet l Health > Cancer l Feb 06, 2010 l Views: 6
    Belen Tanghal

    The 2 different types of skin cancers are the melanoma and the non-melanomas. The melanoma is the most dangerous type. The non-melanomas have 5 sub-types: Basal and Squamous cell carcinomas, T-cell skin lymphoma, Kaposi's sarcoma and Merkel cell carcinoma. Among the non-melanomas, Basal and Squamous cell skin cancers are the most common.

    By: Belen Tanghal l Health > Cancer l Feb 06, 2010 l Views: 8

    Hives usually cause itching, but may also burn or sting. They can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, lips, tongue, throat, or ears. Hives vary in size (from a pencil eraser to a dinner plate), and may join together to form larger areas known as plaques.

    By: james sameul l Health > Alternative Medicine l Jun 16, 2008 l Views: 1,753

    Treating any underlying disorder will usually cure the associated hiccups. Chlorpromazine (Thorazine) relieves intractable hiccups in 80% of cases. Metoclopramide (Reglan), carbamazepam, valproic acid (Depakene), and phenobarbital are also used.

    By: james sameul l Health > Alternative Medicine l Jun 16, 2008 l Views: 3,094

    Upper endoscopy is more accurate than a barium swallow radiograph and may be performed in a hospital or a doctor’s office. The doctor may spray your throat to numb it and then, after lightly sedating you, will slide a thin, flexible plastic tube with a light and lens on the end called an endoscope down your throat.

    By: james sameul l Health > Diseases and Conditions l Jun 16, 2008 l Views: 982

    Tremors (fine trembling of the hands and fingers) Changes in menstrual patterns (usually lighter flow, less frequent periods) The thyroid gland grows larger (goiter) as it produces more and more hormone. Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism

    By: james sameul l Health > Alternative Medicine l Jun 16, 2008 l Views: 354

    Fibromyalgia (FM) is a human disorder classified by the presence of chronic widespread pain and tactile allodynia.[1] While the criteria for such an entity have not yet been thoroughly developed, the recognition that fibromyalgia involves more than just pain has led to the frequent use of the term "fibromyalgia syndrome".

    By: james sameul l Health > Diseases and Conditions l Jun 16, 2008 l Views: 622

    Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological disorder that is characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures.[1][2] These seizures are transient signs and/or symptoms due to abnormal,

    By: james sameul l Health > Diseases and Conditions l Jun 16, 2008 l Views: 743

    Treatment for an enlarged prostate is determined by your signs and symptoms and their severity. If you have significant problems, such as urinary bleeding, persistent urinary tract infections,

    By: james sameul l Health > Diseases and Conditions l Jun 16, 2008 l Views: 455

    The term endometriosis refers to a benign and common disease in which cells like the ones that line the inside of the womb are established outside the womb e.g. on the ligament supporting the uterus. in the ovaries, tubes, pelvis, bowels, bladder, etc. In patients with endometriosis,

    By: james sameul l Health > Women's Health l Jun 16, 2008 l Views: 552 l Comments: 1

    Add new Comment

     
    * Required fields
    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    0