Leukemia (Blood Cancer)

What is Leukemia?

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells that causes the production of abnormally high white blood cells. White blood cells are the cells of the immune system involved in protecting the body against infectious disease. Like red blood cells that carry oxygen, they are produced in the bone marrow and an overproduction of them causes serious health issues including anaemia. 

Many types of leukemia exist, with some more common in children while other forms of leukemia may occur more frequently in adults. 

What are the types of Leukemia?

Leukaemia can be either acute or chronic and there are various types of leukemia. 

Acute lymphocytic leukemia
The most common type of leukemia in young children that can also occur in adults.

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
A common type of leukemia that occurs in children and adults. AML is the most common type of acute leukemia in adults.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
The most common chronic adult leukemia, you may feel well for years without needing treatment.

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)
This type of leukemia mainly affects adults and may have few or no symptoms for months or years before entering a phase in which the leukemia cells grow more quickly.
 

What are the symptoms of Leukemia?

• Bone pain or tenderness
• Easy bleeding
• Excessive sweating at night
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Persistent fatigue
• Significant weight loss

What are the risk factors of Leukemia?

• Exposure to certain chemicals: Exposure to certain chemicals may increase your risk of developing certain kinds of leukemia
• Family history: Your risk of developing leukemia increases if there is a history of the cancer in your family
• Genetic disorder: Certain genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, seem to have a role in the development of leukemia. 
• Prior cancer treatment: Prior cancer treatment such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy increases your risk of developing certain types of leukemia.
• Smoking: Smoking increases your risk of developing acute myelogenous leukemia.

How is Leukemia diagnosed?

Blood Test
A complete blood count blood test will be done to check for white blood cell increase which could be a sign of cancer.
 

Needle Biopsy
A needle biopsy is done to check the bone marrow for signs of cancer.