Leukemia

Leukemia Cancer Treatment Doctor In Delhi

What is Leukemia?

Leukemia is cancer of the body’s blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system.

What are the types of Leukemia?

There are four main types of Leukemia, depending upon whether they are acute or chronic, and myeloid or lymphocytic. 

  • Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

  • Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)

  • Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)

  • Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

Where Does Leukemia Start?

There are many complex types and subtypes of leukemia, some forms of leukemia are common in children while other forms of leukemia occur mostly in adults. 

Leukemia starts in the bone marrow and often moves rapidly into the blood cells. It can then spread to other parts of the body, like:

  • Lymph nodes 

  • Spleen 

  • Liver

  • Central nervous system

  • and other organs

What Are The Risk Factors of Leukemia?

Most people with leukemia are unable to know or understand what caused it. Anyone can get leukemia, Following are the common risk factors of leukemia:

Smoking
People who smoke are at a bigger risk of getting acute myeloid leukemia (AML) than people who don’t.

Exposure to chemicals Long-term exposure to high levels of benzene and exposure to herbicides can cause leukemia.

Chemotherapy
If you have been through chemotherapy drugs previously to treat other cancers, you are more likely to get AML or ALL.

Radiation Exposure
High doses of radiation such as being a survivor of an atomic bomb blast or nuclear reactor accident raise a person’s risk for AML, ALL, CML.

Congenital Diseases
People having down syndrome, ataxia-telangiectasia, or bloom syndrome are subject to a bigger risk of developing acute leukemias.

Family History
Not in every case, but people with relatives who have AML or CLL may be at higher risk of getting leukemia.

Early Detection & Diagnosis of Leukemia

Leukemia can be best found early by reporting any of its possible signs or symptoms. Doctors may detect chronic leukemia in a routine blood test before symptoms begin. If this happens, or if you have signs or symptoms that suggest leukemia, you may undergo the following diagnostic exams:

  • Physical Examination
  • Blood Tests
  • Bone Marrow Test

Signs & Symptoms of Leukemia

Leukemia symptoms vary, depending on the type of leukemia. Common leukemia signs & symptoms include:

  • Constant Fever or chills
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Severe infections
  • Weight loss 
  • Swollen lymph nodes 
  • Enlarged liver or spleen
  • Bleeding or bruising
  • Recurring nosebleeds
  • Small red spots on the skin 
  • Excessive sweating
  • Bone pain or tenderness

Treatments for Leukemia

Leukemia treatments depend on multiple factors. A doctor determines leukemia treatment options based on your age and overall health, the type of leukemia you have, and whether it has spread to other parts of your body, like the central nervous system.

Following are the common treatments used to overcome leukemia:

Leukemia