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Medical Treatments

Leukemia

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft tissue inside our bones where blood cells, including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets, are made. In leukemia, the bone marrow produces too many abnormal white blood cells that do not function properly.
White blood cells help the body fight infections. In leukemia, the bone marrow makes abnormal white blood cells that don't do their job. These abnormal cells crowd out the normal red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the bone marrow, leading to problems like anemia, infections, and bleeding.
Different types of leukemia are usually based on how fast it progresses (acute or chronic) and which kind of white blood cell is affected (lymphoid or myeloid).

Signs & Symptoms

 The symptoms of leukemia can vary, but common ones include:

  • Fatigue and weakness: Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • Frequent infections: Getting sick often because your body can't fight germs effectively.
  • Fever: A high body temperature that doesn't seem to go away.
  • Easy bruising or bleeding: Small injuries may lead to bruising or bleeding more than usual.
  • Bone or joint pain: Leukemia cells may build up in the bone marrow, causing pain in bones or joints.
  • Swollen lymph nodes: Lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin may become swollen.
  • Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite.
Causes

 Leukemia doesn't have one specific cause, but certain factors increase the likelihood of developing it:

  • Genetic mutations: Changes in the DNA of bone marrow cells can cause them to become cancerous.
  • Radiation exposure: High levels of radiation can increase leukemia risk.
  • Chemical exposure: Exposure to chemicals like benzene, commonly found in industries, may raise the risk.
  • Family history: A family history of leukemia may increase the risk.
  • Smoking: Smoking tobacco increases the risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
When to seek medical attention?

 You should consult a doctor if you experience:

  • Persistent fatigue, weakness, or frequent infections.
  • Unexplained bruising or prolonged bleeding.
  • Rapid, unexplained weight loss or night sweats.
  • Enlarged lymph nodes that don't go away.
Diagnostics & Tests

 To diagnose leukemia, doctors use several tests:

  • Blood tests: A complete blood count (CBC) measures the levels of different blood cells. Abnormal levels may suggest leukemia.
  • Bone marrow biopsy: A sample of bone marrow is taken from the hip bone to look for leukemia cells.
  • Genetic tests: These identify genetic mutations that are common in leukemia.
  • Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may be used to check for signs of leukemia in different body parts.
Do’s & Don’ts

 Do's:

  • Follow the doctor's treatment plan carefully.
  • Eat a balanced diet of vitamins and minerals to support your immune system.
  • Get enough rest to help your body recover.
  • Report any new symptoms to your doctor immediately.
  • Stay up-to-date with vaccinations to avoid infections.

 Don'ts:

  • Don't ignore persistent symptoms or delay medical care.
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick, as infections are harder to fight with leukemia.
  • Don't smoke or use tobacco products, as they can make your condition worse.
  • Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals, like pesticides and industrial fumes.

 

NOTE:

Our medical content authors have diligently gathered and synthesized information on this topic to offer valuable insights to our readers. Drawing from a range of reputable medical journals and health resources, this content aims to enhance understanding of the subject. It's important to remember that while this information is informative, it should not replace personalized consultation or treatment from a qualified physician. For further details, please refer to our Editorial Policy.

For this topic, our authors used some of the following resources:

  1. National Cancer Institute (.gov) | Leukemia—Patient Version - NCI
  2. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society | Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood
  3. American Society of Hematology | Leukemia - Hematology.org
  4. MD Anderson Cancer Center | Leukemia: Definition, Types & Risk Factors
  5. Mayo Clinic | Leukemia - Diagnosis and treatment




 

Frequently Asked Questions For Leukemia

Some types of leukemia can be cured, especially if caught early. Others may require ongoing treatment, but many patients live long lives with proper care.

Leukemia specifically affects the blood and bone marrow, while most other cancers form solid tumors in organs.

Leukemia is not directly inherited, but a family history of leukemia may increase the risk.

Yes, leukemia is one of the most common cancers in children, particularly acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Treatment length depends on the type and stage of leukemia. Some treatments last several months, while others may be ongoing for years.

Best Hospitals in Leukemia

Explore All Hospitals in Leukemia
BLK-MAX Super Specialty Hospital, Delhi – State-of-the-art medical facility
BLK-MAX Super Specialty Hospital

Pusa Road, Radha Soami Satsang, Rajendra Place New Delhi, 110005 India

High-tech medical equipment at Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon, ensuring accurate diagnostics and advanced treatment solutions.
Artemis Hospital

Artemis Hospitals Sector 51, Gurugram 122001 Haryana, India

SHALBY Sanar International Hospital, Gurugram – trusted healthcare destination for global patients via VivaVel.com
SHALBY Sanar International Hospitals, Gurugram

Golf Course Rd, Parsvnath Exotica, DLF Phase 5, Sector 53, Gurugram, Haryana Gurgaon, 122022 India

PARAS Health, Gurugram – top multispecialty hospital for international patients via VivaVel.com
PARAS Health, Gurugram

C-1, Sushant Lok- 1, Sector-43, Phase- I, Gurugram, Haryana, 122002

Amrita Hospital, Faridabad – India's largest multispecialty hospital with cutting-edge healthcare infrastructure and global standards.
Amrita Hospital

Mata Amritanandamayi Marg, Sector 88, Faridabad, Haryana, India 121002

High-end cardiac and orthopedic surgery at Max Hospital Dehradun – trusted by overseas patients with VivaVel.com support
Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dehradun

Mussoorie, Diversion Road, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001

Top Doctors in Leukemia

Explore All Doctors in Leukemia
A. V. S. Suresh
  • Dr. A. V. S. Suresh
  • Senior Consultant
  • Medical Oncology | Hematology
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Continental Hospitals

Dr. A. V. S. Suresh is a distinguished Senior Consultant Medical Oncologist and Hematologist at Continental Hospitals, Hyderabad. With over two decades of clinical ex...

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Gaurav Dixit
  • Dr. Gaurav Dixit
  • Unit Head Of Hemato-Oncology
  • Hematology | Bone Marrow Transplantation...
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Artemis Hospital

Dr. Gaurav Dixit is a highly experienced Hematologist and Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Specialist who currently leads the Haemato-Oncology Unit at Artemis Hospital, Gurugram....

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Rayaz Ahmed
  • Dr. Rayaz Ahmed
  • Senior Director - Oncology
  • Oncologist | Hematologist
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket

Dr. Rayaz Ahmed is a director with expertise in Cancer Care/Oncology, Bone Marrow Transplant, Hematology Oncology, and hematology (Hematology) at Max Super Speciality Hospita...

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Soumya Bhattacharya
  • Dr. Soumya Bhattacharya
  • Consultant
  • Haematologist
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Apollo Gleneagles Hospital, Kolkata

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Roshan Dikshit
  • Dr. Roshan Dikshit
  • Senior Consultant
  • Hematologist & Transplant Specialist
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Aakash Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka

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Nitin Sood
  • Dr. Nitin Sood
  • Vice Chairman
  • Haemato-Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplan...
  • 29 Years Experience
  • Medanta - The Medicity, Gurgaon

Dr. Nitin Sood is a distinguished Clinical Hematologist, Hemato-Oncologist, and Bone Marrow Transplant Specialist with nearly thirty years of clinical, academic, and research exper...

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