Leukemia, commonly called blood cancer is a type of cancer affecting blood and bone marrow. Bone marrow is sponge like tissue situated in long and flat bones of body in which blood forming cells reside. Blood forming cells are classified in to two main groups myeloid and lymphoid. Myeloid cells, which normally develop into the various types of mature blood cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Lymphoid cells form lymphocytes.
Common symptoms of leukemia are due to abnormal levels of hemoglobin, platelets or white blood cells causing abnormal oxygenation, hemostasis and defense system of body respectively. Few of them are enlisted below:
- Fever
- Bleeding/ bruising (mucosal or skin bleeding)
- Fatigue, Weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Frequent infections
- Joint pain
These symptoms are not specific for leukemia. At times symptoms are mild and can get overlooked. Blood testing can pick up leukemia during this phase also.
Normally blood forming cells divide and mature in a controlled manner. Some individuals develop defects in division and maturation of these cells. The defects are caused by multifactorial mutations in genetic material. Cells harboring single or multiple mutations are called mutated cells. The mutated cells divide in uncontrolled manner and resist killing by defense system. Resultant overproduction of abnormally functioning leukemia cells replacing normal healthy blood forming cells in bone marrow. Hence decreased normal blood cells i.e red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets.
However, the risk factors are not specific, it may vary depending on the person and his lifestyle.
- Previous cancer treatments: People who have undergone certain types of cancer treatment like chemotherapy or radiation therapy have increased risk of developing leukemia.
- Genetic abnormalities may play a role in the development of leukemia such as Down syndrome.
- Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of developing acute myelogenous leukemia.
- Exposure to certain chemicals such as benzene.
- Very rarely family history of leukemia.
However, the risk factors are not specific, it may vary depending on the person and his lifestyle.
Broadly leukemias can be acute or chronic based on presentation and Myeloid or Lymphoid based on lineage of blood cells affected. Acute denotes rapid disease progresses and chronic meaning relatively slow disease progress.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): Group of acute leukemias affecting a type of white blood cells called lymphocytes. It is the most common type of leukemia among kids though it does happen to adults as well. Treatment results in good chance of cure specifically in kids.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): Group of acute leukemias affecting myeloid cells. There are many subtypes AML with different presentation and response to treatment.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): It develops from B-cells, a type of white blood cell usually affecting the older adults. Progress is very slow. Patient may be asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic for long time. Advanced disease only needs treatment. Life expectancy is good with proper treatment.
Chronic myelogenous Leukemia (CML): It typically affects older adults, rarely children. Progress is slow as compared to acute leukemias. It is caused by single mutation. Advanced treatment options give good response and longer life expectancy.
Other types are:
- Myelodysplastic Syndrome
- Myeloproliferative Disorder
- Chemotherapy – It is a type of cancer treatment that uses medicines or drugs to kill cancerous cells. Though it is an effective way of treating cancer, it carries a risk of side effects, and the effects could differ from mild to severe.
- Targeted Therapy – It is a type of treatment that uses drugs and other substances to precisely identify and attack certain types of cancerous cells. It is used alone or in combination of other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy.
- Radiation Therapy –It is a type of cancer treatment that uses external beams of high intense energy to kill cancerous cells. It often uses X-rays but protons or other energies can also be used.
- Hematopoietic cell Transplants – It is a procedure of infusing healthy blood-forming cells of patient own or a healthy donor. It is performed in cancer patients not responding to multiple lines of therapies like chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapies.
- Immunotherapy – It is a type of cancer treatment that boosts your immune system to fight better against the disease of cancer. The immune system consists of white blood cells, special organs, and chemicals that fight infections and other diseases that your body encounters.
Apollo Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad is one of the best cancer hospitals in India. At Apollo Cancer Centre, we have a specialised team of consultants for the treatment of leukemia including hematopoietic cell transplant. If you are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms mentioned above, consult with our blood cancer specialist today.