Leukemia starts when the DNA of a single cell in the bone marrow changes (mutates) and can’t develop and function normally. Treatments for leukemia depend on the type of leukemia you have, your age and overall health, and if the leukemia has spread to other organs or tissues.
What is the main cause of leukemia?
Some scientists believe that leukemia results from an as-of-yet undetermined combination of genetic and environmental factors that can lead to mutations in the cells that make up the bone marrow. These mutations, known as leukemic changes, cause the cells to grow and divide very rapidly.
What are the first signs of having leukemia?
Early Symptoms of Leukemia
- Fatigue.
- Loss of appetite.
- Bone/joint pain.
- Headaches.
- Fever, chills.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Night sweats.
- Abdominal discomfort.
Does leukemia come on suddenly?
Acute leukemia may cause signs and symptoms that are similar to the flu. They come on suddenly within days or weeks. Chronic leukemia often causes only a few symptoms or none at all.
Where does leukemia usually begin?
Leukemia starts in the soft, inner part of the bones (bone marrow), but often moves quickly into the blood. It can then spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, central nervous system and other organs.
Who is most at risk of getting leukemia?
Age – Generally speaking, individuals over the age of 65 are more at risk for leukemia. Demographics – While anyone can conceivably develop leukemia, white males are statistically most susceptible.
What are the six signs of leukemia?
The six most common symptoms experienced by all leukemia patients prior to diagnosis. These are: Fatigue.
Other less frequently experienced symptoms of leukaemia are:
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- Stomach discomfort.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Numbness in hands or feet.
- Heart palpitations.
- Loss of concentration.
- Sleeping problems.
- Headaches.
What can be mistaken for leukemia?
Leukemia is commonly misdiagnosed as the following conditions: Influenza. Fever. Pathological fracture.
What does leukemia pain feel like?
Bone pain can occur in leukemia patients when the bone marrow expands from the accumulation of abnormal white blood cells and may manifest as a sharp pain or a dull pain, depending on the location. The long bones of the legs and arms are the most common location to experience this pain.
Does leukemia show up in blood work?
Blood tests.
By looking at a sample of your blood, your doctor can determine if you have abnormal levels of red or white blood cells or platelets — which may suggest leukemia. A blood test may also show the presence of leukemia cells, though not all types of leukemia cause the leukemia cells to circulate in the blood.
Is leukemia curable if caught early?
Leukemia is the cancer of the blood-forming tissues that includes bone marrow and lymphatic system. Adults and children are equally affected by Leukemia, which is seen as production of abnormal white blood cells by the bone marrow.
How fast can leukemia develop?
Chronic leukemia usually gets worse slowly, over months to years, while acute leukemia develops quickly and progresses over days to weeks. The two main types of leukemia can be further organized into groups that are based on the type of white blood cell that is affected — lymphoid or myeloid.
What are leukemia spots?
Tiny spots called petechiae
One symptom that some people with leukemia might notice is tiny red spots on their skin. These pinpoints of blood are called petechiae. On fair and light skin tones, these may appear as red dots. On darker skin tones, they may be darker than the surrounding skin and less noticeable.
How long can leukemia go undiagnosed?
The white cells in the blood grow very quickly, over a matter of days to weeks. Sometimes a patient with acute leukemia has no symptoms or has normal blood work even a few weeks or months before the diagnosis. The change can be quite dramatic.
Can you get leukemia at any age?
Leukemia can develop at any age, but certain types of leukemia are more common in different stages of life. Some are more common in children or in adults. It’s important to note that childhood leukemia is still a rare disease, in general.
How can leukemia be prevented?
There is no known way to prevent leukemia, but avoiding tobacco and exposure to pesticides and industrial chemicals might help. The future of medicine, today.
What are 5 risk factors for leukemia?
Specific risk factors for leukemia include:
- Exposure to cancer-causing agents.
- Smoking.
- History of radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
- Myelodysplastic syndromes.
- Rare genetic syndromes.
- Family history.
How can you prevent leukemia naturally?
- You may lower your risk of developing leukemia by doing the following.
- Be a non-smoker. Not smoking is the best way to lower your risk of leukemia.
- Maintain a healthy body weight.
- Avoid breathing in benzene and formaldehyde.
- More information about preventing cancer.
Does leukemia run in families?
Leukemia is generally not considered a hereditary disease. However, having a close family member with leukemia increases your risk of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Do you feel ill with leukemia?
People often feel ill quite quickly. Most symptoms of acute leukaemia are caused by leukaemia cells filling the bone marrow. This means healthy blood cells do not move into the blood as normal.
Can you have leukemia and not know it?
Many types of leukemia produce no obvious symptoms in the early stages. Eventually, symptoms may include any of the following: Anemia and related symptoms, such as fatigue, pallor, and a general feeling of illness.
