Leukemia
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
A1: Survival rates vary depending on the type and stage of leukemia, but many patients achieve long-term remission with proper treatment.
A2: Treatment duration varies based on the type of leukemia and the chosen treatment method, ranging from several weeks to several months.
A3: Bone marrow transplant is a potential cure for some types of leukemia, but other treatments like chemotherapy and targeted therapy can also be highly effective.
A4: Common side effects include fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and increased risk of infection. Side effects depend on the specific treatment plan.
What is Leukemia ?
Leukemia is a type of cancer that originates in the bone marrow and affects the blood-forming cells. It leads to the production of an excessive number of abnormal white blood cells, which can interfere with the body’s ability to fight infection, produce red blood cells, and clot blood effectively. The disease can develop rapidly (acute leukemia) or slowly (chronic leukemia), making early diagnosis and treatment crucial.
Causes of Leukemia
The exact cause of leukemia is not fully understood, but several factors can increase the risk of developing the disease:
- Genetic mutations: Changes in the DNA within blood cells can lead to leukemia.
- Exposure to radiation: High levels of radiation exposure, such as from radiation therapy for other cancers, can increase the risk.
- Chemicals: Certain chemicals, like benzene, are linked to an increased risk of leukemia.
- Previous cancer treatment: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for other cancers may increase the risk of developing leukemia later.
- Family history: A family history of leukemia may also increase risk.
- Smoking: Tobacco use has been linked to an increased risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Types of Leukemia
Leukemia is categorized into several types based on the speed of progression and the type of blood cell affected:
- Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL): Most common in children, ALL involves immature lymphocytes.
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): More common in adults, AML involves myeloid cells that become abnormal and accumulate in the bone marrow.
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): CLL typically affects adults and progresses slowly, involving mature lymphocytes.
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): CML is characterized by the abnormal growth of myeloid cells and usually progresses slowly.
Symptoms of Leukemia
Leukemia symptoms can vary depending on the type, but common signs include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Frequent infections
- Fever or chills
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Shortness of breath
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Bone or joint pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats
Diagnosis of Leukemia
Early diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. The diagnostic process typically includes:
- Physical Examination: Checking for signs like swollen lymph nodes, pale skin, or enlarged liver and spleen.
- Blood Tests: A complete blood count (CBC) can reveal abnormal levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
- Bone Marrow Biopsy: A sample of bone marrow is taken to check for leukemia cells.
- Genetic Testing: Identifies specific genetic mutations associated with leukemia.
Treatment Options for Leukemia
Treatment for leukemia depends on the type, stage, and the patient’s overall health. Options include:
- Chemotherapy: The primary treatment, involving drugs to kill leukemia cells.
- Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancerous cells.
- Targeted Therapy: Drugs that target specific vulnerabilities in cancer cells, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors for CML.
- Immunotherapy: Boosts the body’s immune system to fight leukemia.
- Bone Marrow Transplant: Also known as stem cell transplant, it replaces diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells.
- Surgery: Though rare, surgery may be required to remove an enlarged spleen.
Cost of Treatment and Stay in India
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