Leukemia
Leukemia
Leukemia is the eleventh most common type of cancer that affects people of both sexes worldwide. It forms about 2.5 percent of all the reported cancer cases among adults in the world. Although it has been thought of as a children’s cancer, it affects adults a lot more, in fact, than it affects children. Here we look at what leukemia means, its causes and factors that put you at a greater risk of contracting leukemia.
What is leukemia?
Leukemia is also commonly known as blood cancer and is probably one of the most well-known cancers today. It affects cells of the blood and bone marrow, causing them to grow abnormally and multiply uncontrollably. It can also be seen at multiple parts of the body at once, because of the cells it affects. Acute leukemia manifests itself very quickly and spreads equally fast, whereas chronic leukemia could take years to manifest.
It almost always starts affecting cells in the bone marrow, where new blood cells are produced. Lymphocytic or lymphoblastic leukemia affects white blood cells, while myelogenous leukemia affects other cells that then become platelets, red blood cells or granulocytes.
Symptoms of leukemia
Although the symptoms depend on what kind of leukemia you have, there are a few that are common to all types of leukemia:
The symptoms may differ based on which body part or parts are affected by the cancer. These symptoms are more common in acute leukemia. Chronic leukemia patients may not show any outward symptoms at all in the early stages.
Risk factors for contracting leukemia
Although there are no causes that are specifically known to cause leukemia, there are a few factors that increase your risk of getting the cancer:
Each individual is different and may react differently to leukemia or the various risk factors mentioned. It is best to get a checkup done regularly if you notice any physical symptoms or are a high-risk individual.
Leukemia is the eleventh most common type of cancer that affects people of both sexes worldwide. It forms about 2.5 percent of all the reported cancer cases among adults in the world. Although it has been thought of as a children’s cancer, it affects adults a lot more, in fact, than it affects children. Here we look at what leukemia means, its causes and factors that put you at a greater risk of contracting leukemia.
What is leukemia?
Leukemia is also commonly known as blood cancer and is probably one of the most well-known cancers today. It affects cells of the blood and bone marrow, causing them to grow abnormally and multiply uncontrollably. It can also be seen at multiple parts of the body at once, because of the cells it affects. Acute leukemia manifests itself very quickly and spreads equally fast, whereas chronic leukemia could take years to manifest.
It almost always starts affecting cells in the bone marrow, where new blood cells are produced. Lymphocytic or lymphoblastic leukemia affects white blood cells, while myelogenous leukemia affects other cells that then become platelets, red blood cells or granulocytes.
Symptoms of leukemia
Although the symptoms depend on what kind of leukemia you have, there are a few that are common to all types of leukemia:
- Unexplained bleeding from gums, nose, rectum, and heavy bleeding during menstruation
- Easy and frequent bruising
- Pain in the bones and joints
- Unexplained and sudden loss of weight and appetite
- Constant fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Swollen abdomen or lymph nodes especially in the underarm area, groin or neck
- Seizures
The symptoms may differ based on which body part or parts are affected by the cancer. These symptoms are more common in acute leukemia. Chronic leukemia patients may not show any outward symptoms at all in the early stages.
Risk factors for contracting leukemia
Although there are no causes that are specifically known to cause leukemia, there are a few factors that increase your risk of getting the cancer:
- Exposure to radiation due to repeated CT scans, X-rays or through other sources.
- History of cancer treatment like repeated radiation or chemotherapy sessions
- Exposure to certain chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene
- Family history of leukemia
- Smoking cigarettes
- Certain genetic disorders and diseases like Down’s Syndrome,
Each individual is different and may react differently to leukemia or the various risk factors mentioned. It is best to get a checkup done regularly if you notice any physical symptoms or are a high-risk individual.