Leukemias

Leukemias

Leukemias are a group of blood cancers that originate in the bone marrow and affect the production and function of blood cells. There are several types of leukemia, which are broadly categorized into acute and chronic forms, as well as lymphocytic and myeloid types.

Types of Leukemia

The main types of leukemia are:

• Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
• Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
• Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of leukemia is not known, but several risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing the disease, including genetic predispositions, exposure to certain chemicals or radiation, and previous cancer treatments.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of leukemia include fatigue, frequent infections, easy bruising or bleeding, weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes. Symptoms can vary depending on the type and stage of leukemia.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of leukemia typically involves blood tests to check for abnormal levels of blood cells and bone marrow biopsy to confirm the presence of leukemia cells and determine the type of leukemia.

Treatment

Treatment for leukemia often includes chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplant. The treatment approach depends on the type of leukemia, the patient's age, and overall health.