Symptoms of leukemia may be similar to those of common childhood illnesses. They may range from general malaise to abdominal swelling from problems with the spleen, a part of the immune system. Some people may experience flu-like symptoms. The deterioration of blood cells causes the body to need more energy to fight the disease. While the exact cause of leukemia is still unknown, it appears that a combination of environmental and genetic factors are involved in its development.
Two types of leukemia are common: acute and chronic. Acute leukemia develops suddenly, while chronic leukemia builds up gradually. In both types, the disease affects the white blood cells (called lymphocytes) in the body. The bone marrow makes these cells, but they’re faulty. This means the marrow sends signals to control their production. When leukemia cells multiply uncontrollably, they crowd out healthy blood cells and can eventually cause infections.
A person with leukemia may not notice any of these symptoms for years. This type of leukemia may enter a phase of rapid cell growth, during which time symptoms are minimal or non-existent. Other types of leukemia include hairy cell leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes. Certain kinds of radiation therapy are also associated with an increased risk of getting leukemia. Lastly, those with Down syndrome are also at risk for certain types of the disease.
During the initial examination, the healthcare provider will ask about the symptoms you’re experiencing. He or she may examine you in person to see if any of these symptoms are present. A specialist may also perform a lumbar puncture, in which a needle is inserted into your lower back. A specialist will then use a special needle to extract a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which bathes your brain and spinal cord. If the CSF sample is abnormal, then a bone marrow biopsy is conducted. This procedure identifies the leukemia cells and confirms the diagnosis.
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People who develop acute leukemia may experience a similar set of symptoms to the flu. These symptoms often come on suddenly and can last a few days or weeks. Chronic leukemia, on the other hand, may take years to manifest symptoms. Both types of leukemia cause flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and general feeling of being unwell. Although people with risk factors do not necessarily develop leukemia, they should visit a doctor if their symptoms persist for more than a couple of days.
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The symptoms of leukemia depend on the type of blood cells in your body. Depending on the type, leukemia can lead to bone marrow failure or anemia, causing the destruction of your blood cells. However, the sooner you get a diagnosis, the sooner you can start treatment. Leukemia is a painful and challenging disease. Learning about the symptoms and treatment options can be beneficial in managing your condition and your quality of life.
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While the chances of recovery from leukemia are excellent, the long-term outcome depends on the treatment you receive and the time you have between diagnosis and relapse. Treatment for acute leukemia usually focuses on killing cancer cells while preventing the disease from coming back. Treatment is generally quite intensive and may have side effects. For some people, however, chemotherapy is an important part of their treatment. Even with the side effects, the treatments are worth the effort.
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Leukemia occurs when your blood cells develop mutations in their DNA. The DNA contains the instructions for how blood cells should grow and die. When there is a mutation in your DNA, abnormal blood cells develop, which crowd out healthy bone marrow cells. This results in decreased healthy blood cells, which causes the symptoms of leukemia. However, doctors have different classifications for leukemia depending on the type of blood cells and the speed of disease progression.
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The main types of leukemia are acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and acute myelogenous leukemia. Acute lymphocytic leukemia is common in children and teenagers, but rarely occurs in older people. Chronic myelogenous leukemia is more common in adults and usually affects older adults. Symptoms of leukemia can take years to appear, so it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
