Tag leukaemia

Leukaemia

Leukaemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It occurs when there is an abnormal growth of white blood cells, which are the cells that help fight infections.

Types of Leukaemia:

  1. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL): This is the most common type of leukaemia in children, but it can also occur in adults. It is characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow.
  2. Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML): This type of leukaemia is more common in adults and is characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells in the bone marrow.
  3. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL): This type of leukaemia is a slow-growing cancer that affects the white blood cells. It is more common in older adults.
  4. Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML): This type of leukaemia is a slow-growing cancer that affects the white blood cells. It is more common in adults.

Causes and Risk Factors:

  1. Genetic mutations: Some genetic mutations can increase the risk of developing leukaemia.
  2. Exposure to radiation: Exposure to high levels of radiation can increase the risk of developing leukaemia.
  3. Chemical exposure: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as benzene, can increase the risk of developing leukaemia.
  4. Family history: Having a family history of leukaemia can increase the risk of developing the disease.

Symptoms:

  1. Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak
  2. Frequent infections: Infections that are difficult to treat
  3. Easy bruising: Bruises that occur easily
  4. Petechiae: Small red or purple spots on the skin
  5. Swollen lymph nodes: Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
  6. Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss
  7. Pain: Bone or joint pain

Treatment:

  1. Chemotherapy: The use of medications to kill cancer cells
  2. Targeted therapy: The use of medications that target specific proteins or genes involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells
  3. Stem cell transplantation: The use of healthy stem cells to replace damaged or abnormal stem cells
  4. Immunotherapy: The use of medications that stimulate the immune system to fight cancer cells
  5. Radiation therapy: The use of high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells

Prognosis:

The prognosis for leukaemia depends on the type of leukaemia, the stage of the disease, and the patient's overall health. With treatment, many people with leukaemia can achieve remission and live for many years. However, some types of leukaemia can be more aggressive and may not respond to treatment.