3. What is Leukemia?
Leukemia is a type of cancer of the blood or
bone marrow characterized by an abnormal
increase of immature white blood cells called
"blasts". Leukemia is a broad term covering a
spectrum of diseases. In turn, it is part of the
even broader group of diseases affecting the
blood, bone marrow, and lymphoid system.
4. Causes of Leukemia
Working with certain chemicals — Exposure to high levels of benzene in
the workplace can cause leukemia. Benzene is used widely in the chemical
industry. Formaldehyde is also used by the chemical industry. Workers
exposed to formaldehyde also may be at greater risk of leukemia.
Very high levels of radiation — People exposed to very high levels of
radiation are much more likely than others to develop leukemia. Medical
treatment that uses radiation can be another source of high-level exposure.
5. Cont..
Smoking— Tobacco products are the single, major avoidable cause of
cancer. Smoking is also causally associated with cancers of the pancreas,
kidney, bladder, stomach, and cervix and with leukemia.
Chemotherapy — Cancer patients treated with certain cancer-
fighting drugs sometimes later develop leukemia. For example, drugs
known as alkylating agents are associated with the development of
leukemia many years later.
6. Symptoms
Fever, chills, and other flu-like symptoms
Weakness and fatigue
Frequent infections
Loss of appetite and/or weight
Swollen or tender lymph nodes, liver, or spleen;
Easy bleeding or bruising
Tiny red spots (called petechiae) under the skin
Swollen or bleeding gums;
Sweating, especially at night; and/or
Bone or joint pain.
7. Diagnosis
Blood tests: The lab does a complete blood count to check the number of white
blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Leukemia causes a very high level of
white blood cells. It may also cause low levels of platelets and hemoglobin,
which is found inside red blood cells.
Biopsy: Your doctor removes tissue to look for cancer cells. A biopsy is the only
sure way to know Your doctor removes some bone marrow from your hipbone or
another large bone. A pathologist uses a microscope to check the tissue for
leukemia cells. There are two ways your doctor can obtain bone marrow. Some
people will have both procedures during the same visit.
Chest x-ray: An x-ray can show swollen lymph nodes or other signs of disease in
your chest.
8. Treatment
Chemotherapy - Chemotherapy is the use of drugs that either kill cancer
cells or preventing the cells from dividing. Chemotherapy can be given in a
variety of ways, with IV infusion and pill being more common. The type of
chemotherapy given depends on the stage and type of lung cancer.
Radiation Therapy - Radiation therapy uses high doses of radiation, such
as X-rays, to destroy cancer cells. Radiation is usually given from a machine
outside the body that directs radiation to the cancer (external radiation).
Radiation is also used to treat leukemia that has spread to the brain and
spinal cord.
9. Cont..
Surgery - If the spleen starts destroying red blood cells
and platelets, it may need to be removed. This
operation is called a splenectomy.
10. References
“New leukemia therapy destroys cancer by turning blood cells into assassins“, Ryan Jaslow, CBS News
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20091135-10391704.html
“Mechanism behind acute leukemia identified by VUMC researchers”, Mary Beth Gardner, Vanderbilt
University Medical Center http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/reporter/index.html?ID=2190
“Understanding Leukemia - Diagnosis and Treatment, WebMD
http://www.webmd.com/cancer/understanding-leukemia-treatment
“Leukemia: Causes and Risk Factors”, Cancer Compass http://www.cancercompass.com/leukemia-
information/causes-and-risk-factors.htm
Ontario Task Force on the Primary Prevention of Cancer.: Recommendations for the Primary Prevention
of Cancer. Toronto, Canada: Queen's Printer for Ontario, 1995.
“Cigarette Smoking: Health Risks and How to Quit”, National Cancer Institute
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/prevention/control-of-tobacco-use/HealthProfessional/page2
Leukemia - Treatment Overview, WebMD http://www.webmd.com/cancer/tc/leukemia-treatment-
overview
