Many people struggle with understanding the symptoms and types of leukemia, the most common cancer among children. Dealing with leukemia is especially difficult for both patients and their families, as it can be a long and difficult diagnosis process. Here are some helpful articles about leukemia to help you find your way through this difficult disease.
What is Leukemia?
Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that starts in the bone marrow. It is more common in children and adolescents than adults, but it can strike at any age. There are two main types of leukemia: acute leukemia and chronic leukemia. Acute leukemia happens when the body’s cells multiply too quickly, while chronic leukemia often affects children or young adults who have genetic conditions such as Fanconi anemia or Down syndrome.
Types of Leukemia
There are only two types of leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia. The most common type of leukemia is chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It affects the body’s white blood cells and causes the production of too many abnormal cells in the bone marrow. This can lead to painless swelling in the arms and legs, infections, fatigue, fever, and weight loss. The second type of leukemia is acute myeloid leukemia. This type affects the blood cells and usually affects all age groups. Symptoms include a lack of energy, weight gain, night sweats, and a bleeding nose or gums
Causes of Leukemia
The causes of leukemia vary. The most common cause is exposure to radiation, which may be from a medical test, radon gas in the home, or exposure to nuclear fallout. This can be an hereditary condition that has been passed down to the next generation of children. Another reason for leukemia is exposure to toxic chemicals, such as pesticides and solvents. Sometimes it is caused by infection, such as HIV/AIDS or hepatitis B and C. Symptoms of Leukemia.
Weight loss, often due to fluid loss from the swollen lymph nodes in the neck (lymphadenopathy)
Pain in bones, or bone pain (osteomyelitis)
Anemia which may be severe and can lead to fatigue and weakness (anemia)
Other symptoms include: Elevated white blood cell counts (leukopenia or agranulocytosis)Fever, chills, night sweats or weight loss in children.
In addition to the above symptoms, some people with leukemia experience: Breathlessness and neck pain (pleuritis)Problems swallowing (dysphagia)Weakness and fatigue (fatigue)Pain in muscles or joints (myalgia)Severe pain that does not respond to pills and/or is accompanied by a fever, night sweats, and a rash. If the symptoms start suddenly, or in some cases are different from those listed above, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of Leukemia
The symptoms of leukemia, including the following:
- depression
- lethargy
- loss of appetite
- reduced level of energy
- shortness of breath (dyspnea) with minimal exertion.
Anemia, cold or blurred vision; bone pain (including bone pain at night, unexplained weight loss and tingling of the hands or feet); cough(or difficulty with breathing), sore throat; dizziness, extreme tiredness. A decrease in production of white cells may result in low blood counts and an increased incidence of infections.
Who Should Consult with a Doctor?
If you see any of the following symptoms, it is best to consult with a doctor immediately. If your child has any of the symptoms, then it is important that they see a doctor soon.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
In leukemia, your white blood cells are replaced by cancerous cells. This disease can be caused by radiation or certain blood cancers such as lymphoma or myeloma. Symptoms of leukemia include fevers, night sweats, and weight loss. The symptoms of this disease often start to appear before a diagnosis is made. Diagnosis is normally done through a blood test or a physical exam. Treatment options for leukemia include chemotherapy and targeted therapy that focuses on killing the cancerous cells.
Durga Awasthi 
Sonal Mitra 
Health News