Leukemia
Leukemia is cancer of the blood cells. There are several different kinds of leukemia -- such as acute lymphatic leukemia and acute myeloctyic leukemia. The National Cancer Institute explains that leukemia is the production of large numbers of abnormal blood cells, usually white blood cells, that don't function properly.
Signs And Symptoms
Signs associated with leukemia include fatigue, paleness, weigh loss, repeated infections, bruising easily, nosebleeds and other hemorrhages. In children, these signs may appear suddenly.
What Are The Risk Factors?
People of both sexes and all ages may get leukemia. However, those with Down's Syndrome and certain other genetic disorders have higher leukemia incidence rates.
The exact causes are unknown, but leukemia has been linked to excessive exposure to ionizing radon and to some other chemicals, such as benzene. Some forms of leukemia are caused by a retrovirus.
Other risk factors include diet, smoking and excessive drinking. (More about risk factors)
Treatment Options
Chemotherapy has so far proven the most effective treatment for leukemia, according to the American Cancer Society.
Various anti-cancer drugs may also be used, and blood component transfusions and antibiotics are often used to support the patient. In addition, bone marrow transplants may be appropriate in some cases.
Survival Rates
About 65 percent of patients with leukemia survive the first year after diagnosis, according to the American Cancer Society. The five-year survival rate drops to 42 percent, although some types of leukemia have better five-year survival rates.
More Information:
- The American Cancer Society: What's New In Leukemia Research And Treatment
- ACS: What You Should Ask Your Doctor About Childhood Leukemia
- Family Support: Granny Barb's Leukemia Links
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